Bhubaneswar: January 03: In a tragic boat capsize incident near Nipania in Batighara panchayat of Kendrapara district, nine persons including two women and seven children died and the rescue team is yet to fish out body of a child.
As reported, a picnic party of 55 people from Hasina village under Kujang Tehsil of Jagatsinghapur district had gone for picnic to Hukitola and while returning back, the incident occurred in the evening.
Many lives could be saved due to instant effort of Nipania Villagers. They jumped into action before the arrival of rescue team despite cold weather and presence of crocodiles in the river.
Further, Odisha Fire Services personnel and members of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Coast Guard teams and local fishermen intensified the rescue and search operations.
District officials were also present during the rescue operation.
It has come to the fore that, the boat was ferrying passengers without any licence and life jackets.
