States » EastPosted at: Sep 27 2026 7:37PM


Bengal: Tide overturns ferry in Haldi river, 15 swim to safety

Midnapore, Sep 27 (UNI) All fifteen passengers fortunately survived when a ferry carrying them to Nandigram capsized minutes after leaving Terpekhiya ghat on Saturday evening into the Haldi river.
The passengers had a close shave as the boat overturned only a short distance from the bank, allowing all of them to swim to safety.
Motorcycles and bicycles carried on the ferry also plunged into the river but were later recovered.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. when the boat, carrying the 15 passengers, was caught in the strong pull of the incoming tide soon after setting out for Nandigram. The vessel began to tilt as successive waves struck it. Attempts by the boatmen to control the ferry failed and the boat eventually overturned.
Passengers were suddenly in the water along with their motorcycles and bicycles. Several were reportedly immersed up to their necks before managing to swim towards the bank.
“We boarded the boat as the tide was coming in. The front portion first went underwater as wave after wave hit the boat. Water began rushing in and we were thrown into the river. Many of us were in water up to our necks. Fortunately, everyone managed to swim ashore,” passenger Shankar Jana said.
Police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the accident. Mahishadal MLA Subhash Chandra Panja also reached Terpekhiya ferry ghat and said all 15 passengers were safe.
The accident has, meanwhile, raised fresh questions over safety and regulation of ferry services at the ghat, particularly during high tide.
Panja said all boats operating from the ferry ghat would be brought under administrative monitoring. He also urged passengers not to board overcrowded boats or pressure boatmen to carry more passengers than permitted.
The administration's proposed crackdown on ferry operations follows this accident in which a routine river crossing came within minutes of turning into a major tragedy. UNI BG NST CDS
Tags: #Bengal: Tide overturns ferry in Haldi river# 15 swim to safety
More News

Meghalaya pivots to sustainable, community-led tourism model

27 Sep 2026 | 8:53 PM

Shillong, Sep 27 (UNI) Meghalaya is establishing a sustainable, community-led, and climate-resilient model designed to position the state as a year-round global attraction, an official said on Sunday.

see more..

Bengal: Indian Air Force steps up awareness drive in Panagarh over bird-strike threat

27 Sep 2026 | 8:50 PM

Asansol, Sep 27 (UNI) The Indian Air Force (IAF) authorities at Air Force Station Arjan Singh in Panagarh, under the Eastern Command in West Bengal's West Burdwan district, have launched a public awareness drive among residents and traders to address concerns over flight safety.

see more..

Bengal: Thalapathy Vijay's TVK opens first office in East Burdwan

27 Sep 2026 | 8:16 PM

Burdwan, Sep 27 (UNI) In a surprising move reflecting its Pan India ambitions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) opened its first party office in East Burdwan in West Bengal on Sunday, marking the beginning of its organisational activities in the district.

see more..

Diplomacy can play key role in advancing vision of viksit Bharat: LG Sandhu

27 Sep 2026 | 7:54 PM

Patna, Sep 27 (UNI) Delhi Lieutenant Governor and former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Sunday said diplomacy in the changing global environment was no longer confined to relations between countries, but could serve as an important instrument for promoting economic growth, investment, technology, education, skills and employment opportunities.

see more..

Gandak discharge rising, administration on high alert: Choudhary

27 Sep 2026 | 7:53 PM

Patna, Sept 27 (UNI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary has said the administration was on high alert following a rise in water discharge at the Valmikinagar barrage due to heavy rainfall in the Gandak river's catchment area in Nepal.

see more..