2014 Hirakud boat disaster

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]

2014 Hirakud Boat Disaster
Location of the disaster
Location of the disaster
The incident occurred at Hirakud Dam in the Sambalpur district of Odisha
Date9 February 2014 (2014-02-09)
LocationHirakud Dam Reservoir,
near Hirakud, Odisha, India
Coordinates21.57°N 83.87°E / 21.57; 83.87
CauseOvercrowding
ParticipantsCrew and 115 passengers
OutcomeBoat capsized
Deaths31

Accident

The accident occurred near the Pitapali area 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

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
  1. Sahu, Priya Ranjan. "At least 10 dead after boat capsizes in Odisha's Hirakud Dam reservoir". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  2. Nayak, Ajit. "Hirakud horror toll mounts to 31". Times Of India. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  3. "All bodies recovered in Hirakud boat tragedy". Business Standard. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  4. "Hirakud toll rises to 31". The Statesman. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  5. "11 dead, 10 missing as boat capsizes in Hirakud reservoir". Odisha Sun Times. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  6. "Death Toll in Hirakud Dam Reservoir Boat Tragedy reaches 15". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. Retrieved 10 February 2014.


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