Bhubaneswar: As many as six tourists, including two children, died when a boat capsized in Chilika lake late on Saturday night, reports said on Sunday.
The bodies of deceased were fished out by fire brigade personnel and jawans of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) after hours of intense rescue and search operations.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief over loss of lives in and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved families. He announced an ex gratia of '4 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. The CM also announced free medical treatment for the injured.
The tragic incident occurred when a boat carrying 18 persons including a boatman was returning from Kalijai temple to Balugaon. All the passengers were from Nayagarh and Bhubaneswar. The boat capsized during to a thunderstorm, accompanied by strong winds.
