Summary
The 2014 Hirakud boat disaster was an accident that occurred on 9 February 2014 in the reservoir of the Hirakud Dam in the Indian state of Odisha. The incident occurred when a boat carrying about 115 passengers on board capsized in the reservoir.[1] The disaster killed 31 people.[2][3][4]
  Location of the disaster  Location of the disaster | |
| Date | 9 February 2014 |
|---|---|
| Location | Hirakud Dam Reservoir, near Hirakud, Odisha, India |
| Coordinates | 21°34′N 83°52′E / 21.57°N 83.87°E |
| Cause | Overcrowding |
| Participants | Crew and 115 passengers |
| Outcome | Boat capsized |
| Deaths | 31 |
Accident edit
The accident occurred near the Pitapali area[further explanation needed] inside the reservoir at around 4:30 PM when a large group of picnickers were returning in an overcrowded motor boat.[5] As per eyewitnesses, the motorboat became snagged, water overflowed the gunwale, and it capsized. The passengers tried to bale out the water unsuccessfully. Many of the passengers also jumped off the boat in panic. It was later noted the boat did not have basic safety measures.[6]
Rescue edit
Firefighters and units of the ODRAF were deployed for rescue operations. A six-member scuba diving rescue team also aided in rescue operations.[6]
References edit
- ^ Sahu, Priya Ranjan. "At least 10 dead after boat capsizes in Odisha's Hirakud Dam reservoir". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on February 10, 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
- ^ Nayak, Ajit. "Hirakud horror toll mounts to 31". Times Of India. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
- ^ "All bodies recovered in Hirakud boat tragedy". Business Standard. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
- ^ "Hirakud toll rises to 31". The Statesman. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
- ^ "11 dead, 10 missing as boat capsizes in Hirakud reservoir". Odisha Sun Times. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
- ^ a b "Death Toll in Hirakud Dam Reservoir Boat Tragedy reaches 15". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. Retrieved 10 February 2014.