Scribes have miraculous escape as boat capsizes

Athani, Karnataka, Aug 4 (UNI) About 30 journalists, visiting flood-hit areas near this town in Belgaum district of Karnataka to inspect flood ravages caused by swollen Krishna river, had a miraculous eascape when their boat capsized, leaving two of them with minor injuries.

The incident occurred when a group of journalists from Hubli and Belgaum went to cover Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's visit to the flood-affected areas. As the Chief Minister's arrival was delayed, they reuqested officials to provide them with a boat to visit nearby Gulagabali village, which was marooned by the swirling river waters.

Even before they could sail half way through to the village, the boat capsized, throwing the journalists into the water. However, they swam to safety.

Some of them alleged that the police and life savers remained mute spectators while the scribes were going through a harrowing experience. Cameras of electronic media and photographers were damaged in the process. The two injured were given first aid.

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