Bhubaneswar: Tension gripped dozens of pilgrims after a floating bridge vessel carrying them got stuck in the middle of Chilika Lake for over an hour this evening due to a sudden thunderstorm.
The vessel was ferrying approximately 70 pilgrims, five motorcycles, and one bus from Jhanhikuda to Satapada when it suddenly deviated from the designated navigation channel near Mahinsa Kuda area amid strong winds and thunderstorm.
The large floating platform carrying the bus and vehicles got grounded or stuck in shallow waters, leaving the pilgrims stranded. As soon as news of the stranded pilgrims reached authorities, a rescue operation was launched. A JCB machine was rushed to the spot through another bus to help pull the vessel back into the deeper channel.
However, the rescue bus itself developed a mechanical fault and also got stuck, further delaying the operation. Eyewitnesses reported that the pilgrims, many of whom were returning after a visit to the holy sites, remained anxious as the vessel remained immobile for nearly an hour. Local fishermen and Chilika Development Authority personnel were pressed into service for the rescue.
Officials from the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority and Chilika Wildlife Division have reached the spot. Efforts are underway to safely evacuate the pilgrims and vehicles using alternative boats and towing arrangements.
This is not the first time a floating bridge vessel has faced trouble on the Jhanhikuda-Satapada route.
