A major boat accident occurred in the Naugachia area of Bhagalpur district, Bihar, on Wednesday afternoon when a vessel belonging to the Water Resources Department capsized in the Ganga river. The boat was carrying 21 laborers who were actively involved in relief and rescue operations following a dam breach in the region. The incident took place around 2:30 PM in the Raghopur area under the Kharik block, where the strong currents of the river led to the unfortunate mishap.
The Sequence of the Incident
According to the details provided, the laborers were being transported by the Water Resources Department to carry out essential work in the flood-affected areas. As the boat reached the middle of the river, it encountered an extremely strong water current. The force of the water caused the boat to become uncontrollable, eventually leading it to overturn in the deep stream. The sudden capsize triggered a state of panic among the laborers on board, many of whom struggled to stay afloat in the turbulent waters.
Rescue Efforts and Survivors
In the immediate aftermath of the accident, 12 laborers displayed remarkable resilience and managed to swim to the safety of the riverbank on their own. Local residents who witnessed the accident also rushed to provide assistance. Upon receiving the information, the local administration and police officials reached the spot, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was summoned for a professional rescue operation. The SDRF team, equipped with motorboats and specialized gear, successfully rescued 7 more laborers from the river. Consequently, a total of 19 laborers out of the 21 on board have been confirmed safe.
Search for the Missing Laborers
Despite the successful rescue of the majority, 2 laborers remain missing as of the latest reports. The missing individuals have been identified as 32 year old Badal Mandal, a resident of Lodipur, and 55 year old Sikandar Mandal, a resident of Simaria village. The SDRF is currently conducting an intensive search operation in the Ganga river to locate them. Divers have been deployed to scan the riverbed and the surrounding areas where the boat overturned. The search operation is facing significant challenges due to the high velocity of the water current in the Ganga.
Concerns and Administrative Monitoring
There are growing fears among eyewitnesses and officials that some laborers might have been trapped under the overturned boat. However, an official confirmation regarding this possibility is still awaited as the search continues, while the families of the missing laborers are in a state of deep distress and are waiting by the riverbank for any news of their loved ones. The district administration has stated that they're closely monitoring the entire situation and have instructed the rescue teams to leave no stone unturned in the search for the missing persons. Local villagers are also assisting the rescue teams in whatever capacity possible to expedite the process.