Puri admin makes life jackets mandatory on ferries, tightens rules after Chilika passenger’s death

The Puri district administration on Saturday tightened safety norms on ferries following the death of a passenger on the Chilika Lake earlier this week. The move has mandated stricter transport rules and mandatory safety measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

As per the revised guidelines, wearing life jackets has been made compulsory for all passengers travelling on ferries. Authorities have also directed that passengers must remain seated at the centre of the vessel during movement and avoid standing near the edges while the ferry is in operation.

In addition, passengers travelling with four-wheelers or buses have been instructed to remain inside their vehicles, with seatbelts fastened, instead of stepping out onto the deck during the crossing. Officials said the new rules will be enforced strictly at all ferry ghats.

Death Prompts Administrative Action

The decision follows a fatal incident on Chilika Lake, where ferry and boat services have now been suspended till 11 am daily until further notice due to dense fog and severely reduced visibility.

The suspension was ordered a day after a ferry became stranded mid-lake during heavy fog, leading to a passenger falling into the water and losing his life.

According to officials, the ferry was travelling from Satapada to Jahnikuda, carrying around 50 passengers, a bus and two cars, when navigation became difficult due to near-zero visibility. 

During the halt, Uma Shankar Sabat of Berhampur went missing. Fishermen later recovered his cap and slippers from the lake, while some passengers reported hearing a sound suggesting a fall into the water.

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Services Suspended Amid Fog

The Puri district administration has barred the operation of all categories of water transport, including passenger ferries, motorboats, cargo vessels and floating platforms, until visibility conditions improve. Notably, search operations during the incident were hampered by persistent fog and low visibility.

Local administration and police have been directed to maintain continuous monitoring at ferry ghats, while Block Development Officers have been asked to make public announcements through loudspeakers.