Odisha Boat Tragedy: Four Dead, Search Continues For Missing Passengers

At least four persons have tragically lost their lives after a boat carrying approximately 50 passengers capsized in Odisha's Jharsuguda district on Friday. The incident occurred in the Mahanadi river, prompting a search and rescue operation that continues into Saturday to locate those still missing.

Senior police officer Chintamani Pradhan confirmed that seven individuals remain unaccounted for.

The boat was transporting passengers from Bargarh district's Bandhipali area. While en route, it encountered rough waters, leading to its capsizing near Saradha Ghat in Jharsuguda.

Speaking to reporters late on Friday, District Collector Kartikeya Goyal stated that the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) is tirelessly conducting the search operation with support from the Jharsuguda district administration and the state government.

"We have received information that scuba divers will come from Bhubaneshwar to join the search operation. So far, we have rescued some 48 people, and efforts are on to send them back to their villages," Goyal informed reporters at the scene.

Responding to a query regarding the challenges of conducting the operation at night, the District Collector acknowledged it was "challenging but not impossible."

"The ODRAF divers are very well-trained, equipped with night light equipment. They will carry out one more attempt and will be joined by a team of scuba divers as soon as they arrive," he added.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased.

Local BJP leader Suresh Pujari alleged that the "boat was operating without a valid license."

"It was not accorded a fitness certificate by the authorities concerned, and there was no lifeguard on it," he stated, as quoted by the PTI news agency.

Pujari also claimed that the boat was overcrowded and carrying passengers beyond its capacity.

District authorities have assured that a thorough investigation into the incident will be conducted.