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
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