Kendrapada: A boat carrying around 70 passengers was reportedly washed away by strong current of overflowing Mahanadi river in Odisha’s Kendrapada district on Saturday.
According to sources, the motor-driven boat left Paradip to ferry the passengers to Bahakud ghat in Mahakalpada in the afternoon. While the boat was halfway through, its engine stopped working. The strong current in Mahanadi, which is in spate due to heavy rain for the last few days, drove the boat for 4-5 km towards the sea.
The passengers started to panic as the boat operator could not control it. However, he managed to steer the boat towards the water having less current and anchored it there. Some desperate passengers called up their families and police for rescue.
On getting the information, Mahakalpada BDO sought the help of the Marine Police. The police launched a rescue operation and pressed two power boats to bring the passengers to safety.
Director General, Fire Services has informed that the rescue operation by Fire personnel was going on. They have already brought 45 passengers to safety and the operation was continuing to rescue the rest 25 persons. All the passengers of the boat were safe, he added.
