Berhampur, Dec 12: The ill-boat which had sunk with 29 passengers on board while on the way to Ghantasila had problems, said B Krishnamohan, chief executive officer (CEO) of Chilika Development Authority (CDA) on Sunday. Meanwhile, Rambha police have seized the ill-fated fishing boat. Earlier on Saturday, police had registered a case against the boat owner Dutia Mallick and boatman Hatia Mallick under section 280 and 304 of IPC for carrying passengers in a fishing boat.
Notably, on Saturday morning a boat carrying 29 tourists drowned at the Chillika Lake, killing 4, while 8 still remain missing. The tourists got the boat from the Sabuliya Ghats near Rambha Station and were on their way to Ghantasila Mountains for a picnic. But unfortunately, the boat unable to handle the overweight, lost control and drowned taking along with the 29 tourists with it. The boats near the Ghats seeing the scene reached the spot to help the tourist. 4 tourists died at the spot while 22 tourists were rescued by the locals and 11 had been admitted to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur while two others were admitted to government hospitals at Rambha and Khallikote. The deceased have been identified as Jitu Pradhan (30), Sahil Pradhan (3), Sapna Swain (18 month) and Siba Purohit.
Expressing profound grief over the death of four passengers in the tragic incident, chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to each family of the deceased. He also directed the concerned authorities for treatment of all injured passengers and expedite rescue works. Governor SC Jamir wished early recovery of all injured passengers.
