One Dead, 20 rescued after tourist boat capsizes off Calangute beach in Goa

A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday off Calangute beach in North Goa, where a tourist boat capsized, resulting in one fatality and nearly 20 injuries. According to police reports, the capsizing was due to an engine malfunction.

Lifeguard in charge, Sanjay Yadav, reported to PTI, "A boat capsized at Calangute beach. We rescued 13 people. Around six individuals from the same family were trapped under the boat, with one confirmed deceased. The cause of the incident is still under investigation."

Drishti Marine Lifesavers, the lifeguard agency at Calangute Beach, responded swiftly to the incident, which occurred around midday. They managed to rescue more than 20 passengers, aged between six and 65 years, including a family of 13 from Khed, Maharashtra.

The boat, overloaded with passengers, capsized about 60 meters from the shore, throwing everyone into the rough sea. The police have registered a case of unnatural death by drowning and are conducting a thorough investigation.

Among the rescued, two children aged 6 and 7, and two women aged 25 and 55, were revived and hospitalized for further treatment. Unfortunately, not all passengers were wearing life jackets, which complicated rescue efforts. A 54-year-old male passenger was found floating and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

In total, 18 Drishti Marine lifesavers were involved in the rescue operation, ensuring the remaining passengers were brought safely to shore.

This incident follows another recent maritime accident where a speeding Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and crashed into the passenger ferry 'Neel Kamal' off the Mumbai coast, resulting in 15 fatalities. The ferry, which was carrying over 100 passengers, was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination known for its cave temples.