Passenger Launch Overcrowded and Stranded Midway in Chilika Lake; Travellers Rescued
(OT Webdesk)In a troubling repeat of past incidents, a passenger launch ferrying commuters from Balugaon (Khurda) to Krushnaprasad (Puri) was stranded mid-journey in Chilika Lake due to overcrowding and operational lapses.
Despite seven launches being stationed at Balugaon, only two were functional, forcing one vessel to carry all passengers, well beyond its safe capacity.
The overloaded launch failed to navigate properly, leaving passengers stranded in the lake.
After frantic communication with the Balugaon office, another vessel was dispatched to rescue the travellers and ferry them to Krushnaprasad.
Those returning to Balugaon were also rerouted.
This marks the second such incident in recent weeks, with a similar mishap reported on July 23.
Locals have voiced strong concerns over the underutilization of available launches and warned of potential public protests if authorities continue to ignore safety protocols.
