Floating bridge vessel with 70 passengers gets stranded in Chilika

In yet another alarming incident, a floating bridge vessel (Bhasa Pola) carrying around 70 passengers, along with five cars, as many motorcycles, and one bus, got stranded in the middle of Chilika lake on Saturday.

As per reports, the incident occurred while the vessel was en route from Janhikuda to Satapada.

According to sources, the ferry deviated from the designated navigation channel near the Mahinsa Kuda area in the middle of the lake due to unknown reasons. As a result, it got stuck, leaving passengers and vehicles stranded on board.

Soon after the incident, rescue and recovery efforts were initiated. Another floating bridge vessel was deployed to assist in the operation, and attempts are currently underway to tow the stranded vessel back into the main channel.

Also Read: Over 50 passengers stranded after boat gets stuck midway in Odisha’s Chilika

Earlier in November last year, a passenger boat carrying more than 50 tourists from Satapada to Janhikuda got stranded in the middle of Chilika lake due to a mechanical failure. The incident left the passengers anxious until help arrived.

The boat’s engine developed a technical snag, causing it to stop midway in the vast brackish water lagoon.