Twenty-three pilgrims narrowly escaped danger after the boat they were travelling in became stranded mid-sea near the Digha estuary on Saturday night. All passengers were safely rescued following a swift response by local authorities.
The group was en route to Digha for darshan at the Lord Jagannath Temple when the incident occurred. According to officials, the tourists had boarded the vessel from Patharpratima in South 24 Parganas district. While crossing the estuary, the boat’s engine reportedly developed a technical malfunction, causing it to stop suddenly in deep and turbulent waters.
The vessel remained stranded for several hours, leading to anxiety among the passengers. Fortunately, mobile network connectivity was available in the area. The tourists contacted the police helpline and alerted authorities about their situation.
Responding promptly, police and rescue teams reached the location and initiated a coordinated rescue operation. All 23 passengers were brought safely to shore without any injuries, officials confirmed.
Authorities stated that timely communication and quick action helped prevent a potential tragedy. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the engine failure. Officials have also reiterated the need for strict safety inspections and regular maintenance of marine transport services operating in the region.
