Bhubaneswar,Jan.02: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the Kendrapara boat capsize incident which took place near Nipania in Kendrapara district on Wednesday evening.
The Chief Minister has also directed the district administration and ODRAF to expedite the rescue operation.
Reportedly, the fire service personnel are carrying out the rescue operation. But rough sea condition and low light have turned a challenge for the rescue team, sources said.
According to reports, one person died while about eight others are feared drowned after a country boat, carrying more than 40 picnickers, capsized at Balighat near Nepania in Patkura block in the district this evening.
Sources said that about 40-45 people from Mangarajpur in Kujang block of Jagatsinghpur district had gone to the Hukitola Lighthouse for a picnic. However, during their return journey, the country boat capsized near Nepania at the Mahanadi confluence.
Prasanta Patnaik