📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
A tragic incident unfolded on the morning of June 16, 2024, as a boat carrying about 25 people capsized in the Ganga river in Patna during the Ganga Dussehra festival. The boat overturned mid-stream, leading to four individuals going missing. Among the passengers, 17 were from the same family, hailing from the Malti village of Nalanda district. Immediate rescue efforts were launched, resulting in the successful rescue of 13 individuals.
The missing persons were identified as three men, Avadesh Kumar (60), Hadev Prasad (65), Nitish Kumar (30), and a woman, the wife of the late Vijay Prasad. The incident occurred at Umanghat in Barh, a location where many pilgrims had gathered to bathe during the festival. The boat was overloaded beyond its capacity, according to eyewitnesses and officials.
Upon receiving the news, Patna District Magistrate Shrishat Kapil Ashok directed the deployment of a team comprising 12 members of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 30 members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The search for the missing persons is ongoing, with efforts focused on locating and rescuing them from the river.
The authorities are utilizing divers to aid in the search and rescue operations. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing ordeal, with some passengers managing to swim to safety while others tragically drowned. The incident spotlights the need for adherence to safety protocols and load capacity regulations for boats navigating the Ganga river.
The district administration is prioritizing the search for the missing individuals, with strict actions planned against any violations of regulations. The collaborative efforts of SDRF, NDRF, and local officials underscore the urgency and importance of swiftly resolving such disasters to prevent further loss of life in similar circumstances.
