A devastating boat capsize took place in Katihar, Bihar, when a small dinghy, en route from Golaghat in South Karimallupur to Sakri Gali in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, overturned in the Ganga River. This unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday morning around 8:30 AM, resulting in tragic loss of life and a dramatic rescue operation. The vessel was carrying 18 individuals, including the boatman, who faced a series of unfortunate events shortly after departure.

The Incident: A Fatal Journey on the Ganga

The boat had barely left Golaghat when it encountered strong gusts of wind from the west. The sudden increase in wind speed caused water to inundate the vessel, and the boatman struggled to maintain control. Despite his best efforts to steady the boat, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Within moments, the boat capsized, casting everyone onboard into the river.

The passengers, en route to a religious ceremony, had little time to react as the boat sank swiftly. The force of the river’s waves, combined with the fierce wind, made it nearly impossible for passengers to grasp hold of the boat.

Gabbar Singh’s Heroic Rescue: A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Disaster

Amidst this turmoil, a young man emerged as a symbol of hope—21-year-old Gabbar Singh, a local boatman from Golaghat. Despite the perilous conditions, Gabbar Singh leaped into the water and, without hesitation, managed to rescue 11 individuals. Tragically, three passengers had already perished, but Gabbar Singh’s quick actions saved eight others.

Accompanied by his older brother, Suresh, Gabbar Singh played a pivotal role in ensuring the survival of these passengers. Suresh detailed the significant challenges they faced in the turbulent waters, indicating that the strong winds rendered navigation extremely difficult. Nevertheless, the brothers persevered and rescued multiple individuals from the water.

Survivor Accounts: Chaos and Uncertainty

Survivors, including Kishan Mandal from Pranpur, who was on board with his family, recounted the terrifying moments during the capsizing. Kishan noted that the boat was carrying 18 passengers, all headed to conduct the last rites of his elder sister. As they traversed the Ganga, they confronted several large waves. While the boat managed to withstand the first two waves, the third ultimately proved overwhelming, leading to the capsizing. The survivors were left in bewilderment, uncertain of how they escaped.

In the wake of the incident, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kumar Siddharth acknowledged the negligence associated with the operation of unauthorized boats. He urged local representatives and residents to report any unauthorized boat operations, stressing that action would be taken against violators. The SDM's comments reflect a wider issue of unregulated river transport, which often leads to such tragic accidents.

Additionally, Gabbar Singh and his brother Suresh’s bravery in rescuing the victims has been recognized by the district administration, which announced that they would be rewarded for their life-saving efforts.

Call for Safety Reforms in River Transport

The incident underscores the pressing need for stricter regulations and safety measures in river transport. Unregulated boat services are often a hidden danger in many regions, with little oversight or safety protocols in place. It is crucial for authorities to ensure that all boats are properly inspected, and safety equipment, such as life jackets, is made mandatory for all passengers.

In light of this tragedy, Rajesh Kumar, the State Youth Secretary of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), called for immediate reforms to prevent such incidents in the future. He emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of safety standards to protect river travelers.

Chief Minister’s Response: Condolences and Assistance for Victims

The news of the boat disaster in Golaghat shocked not just Katihar but the entire state of Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep sorrow over the incident, particularly the loss of three young lives, including children. He took to Twitter to extend his condolences, directing the district administration to continue the search for missing individuals.

The Chief Minister also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased, expressing his heartfelt sympathy to the grieving families. His quick response to the tragedy, along with the compensation, aims to provide some support to those affected by the loss.