Bhubaneswar: The Puri administration suspended boat and ferry services in Chilika Lake till 11 am after a 58-year-old man died after accidentally falling off a floating bridge vessel in Odisha’s Chilika Lake near Satapada on Thursday.
The deceased was identified as Uma Shankar Sabat of Berhampur and was currently residing at Balimela in Malkangiri district.
“In view of the prevailing heavy fog and poor visibility conditions reported across the district, which may pose serious risks to life and property, all concerned officers and authorities are hereby advised to ensure that no ferry services/Tourist boats are allowed to ply till 11 am until further order. The reduced visibility due to fog significantly increases the likelihood of marine/riverine accidents, mishaps, and loss of human life. Therefore, as a preventive and safety measure, the following directions shall be strictly complied with: All ferry/ boat serv
ices across rivers, lakes and other water bodies shall remain suspended during periods of heavy fog and low visibility,” the official notification said.
According to sources, the mishap took place when Sabat was traveling with his family on the vessel, carrying around 50 people along with a bus, two cars and eight motorcycles, from Satapada to Janhikuda in Ganjam district. Fire services personnel, aided by local fishermen, fished out his body after co-passengers reported about the mishap.
Sources further stated that the family had visited Satapada the previous day for a picnic at Rajahansa and stayed overnight at a relative’s home before boarding the ferry to return toward Berhampur. Authorities suspect Sabat slipped and fell into the water while attempting to take photographs of the scenic lake.
Tragically, another motorised boat is believed to have struck him, resulting in severe head injuries that proved fatal. The incident was compounded further as the floating bridge vessel got stuck for some hours due to dense fog in the Chilika. The passengers have been rescued and ferried safely in another boat.
Frequent disruptions are reported along the six-kilometre passenger boat route between Janhikuda and Satapada. Boats often get stuck or face technical issues because of shallow waters on this stretch.