A boat carrying more than 50 passengers stalled in the middle of Chilika Lake while traveling from Satapada to Janhikuda, triggering panic and urgent rescue efforts.
The incident occurred when the boat developed a mechanical fault mid-journey. Passengers, including children, were stranded for nearly two hours before being safely rescued. Earlier in the day, another boat heading toward Jahnikuda experienced a similar breakdown near Mahinsakuda due to a cracked machine slab, leaving it adrift in open waters.
Locals have long raised concerns about the safety of daily boat travel across Chilika. Thousands cross the 5-kilometer stretch between Satapada and Jahnikuda without life jackets or emergency protocols. Many boats operate without proper maintenance, and overloaded vessels are common.
Despite past tragedies—including the 2018 capsizing that claimed 16 lives and another in 2020—authorities have failed to implement strict safety measures. Boats continue to run with outdated equipment, and passengers risk their lives daily.
The recent incident highlights the urgent need for regulatory oversight and safety enforcement. With no warning systems, emergency plans, or protective gear onboard, passengers rely solely on luck and local rescue efforts.
Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, remains a vital transport route. However, the lack of safety infrastructure poses a growing threat to public life.
