Mahakalpada: A boat with around 70 passengers on board was washed away 4-5 km due to strong current in river Mahanadi.
However, all the passengers are safe with the boat anchored in the middle of the river using a huge anchor.
According to reports, the harrowing incident reportedly occurred following a technical failure in the boat while it was going to Bahakuda from Paradip.
Following SOS calls from the passengers of the ill-fated boat Marine police, and Odisha Fire Service personnel rushed to the spot with their boats and started a rescue operation.
Mahakalpada BDO Debashish Rout has informed that a rescue operation is underway to bring back the passengers to safety.
All the passengers have been rescued safely, said an officer of the Odisha Fire Service.
“All passengers have been rescued and brought to the Kharinasi and Bahakud jetty points by a team of Fire officials, Jamboo Marine police and local boatsmen. All are safe now and have reached the landmass near the ghats,” tweeted Kendrapara Collector Amrit Ruturaj.
SRC Pradeep Kumar Jena has lauded the efforts of the Fire Service, Odisha Police and Collector Kendrapara for the successful rescue operation.
Great efforts by @OdishaFire @odisha_police @dmkendrapara and entire team of officials involved. Congratulations to all of you.
— Pradeep Jena IAS (@PradeepJenaIAS) August 20, 2022
