Boat services on Chilika Lake in Odisha were suspended on Thursday until at least 11 a.m. after a passenger fell from a ferry and died amid dense fog, local officials said. The Puri district collector ordered ferry operations halted until visibility improves and safety conditions are reassessed.
The incident occurred during a crossing from Satapada to Jahnikuda when a passenger, identified as 60-year-old Uma Shankar Sabat of Balimela in Malkangiri district, fell into the water in thick fog. Rescue teams recovered the body but were unable to save the man. Authorities said visibility in parts of the state had fallen to less than 50 metres because of persistent fog.
Chilika Lake ferry safety concerns
Officials said the suspension was a precautionary measure following a separate ferry that became stranded earlier the same day due to poor visibility. The Puri district administration directed that all ferry operations remain halted until fog conditions improve and additional safety checks are carried out.
Under state regulations, passengers are required to wear life jackets while travelling on inland ferries. Sources at the scene said the deceased passenger was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the fall. Local officials urged ferry operators and travellers to strictly follow safety protocols and to avoid travel during periods of low visibility.
Chilika Lake, one of India’s largest brackish water lagoons and a significant tourist draw in Odisha, supports regular ferry and boat services that connect local communities and visitors. The suspension is likely to affect local transport and tourism activities in the short term, particularly at morning and early afternoon crossings when fog is heaviest.
District administration and emergency services said they will review operating procedures for ferry services on the lake and co‑ordinate with the state meteorological office for updated visibility advisories. The India Meteorological Department has warned that dense fog conditions are likely to persist in several areas of the state for the coming days, a factor that authorities said contributed to the decision to suspend services temporarily.
Local officials asked boat operators to ensure life jackets are available and properly worn, to restrict passenger numbers in line with vessel capacity, and to halt services at the first sign of dangerous weather. They also appealed to passengers to heed safety instructions and to postpone non‑essential travel during periods of low visibility.
Residents and businesses that rely on ferry connections said they understood the need for caution but expressed concern about the economic impact of prolonged suspensions. Tourism operators said they would work with local authorities to implement additional safety checks and to communicate clearly with visitors about any service changes.
For now, the priority for district authorities remains preventing further loss of life. The Puri administration said it will keep ferry services suspended until forecasters indicate safe conditions and until operators demonstrate compliance with safety measures designed to protect passengers during foggy conditions on Chilika Lake.
Key Takeaways:
- Chilika Lake ferry safety comes under scrutiny after a passenger fell from a ferry amid dense fog.
- Authorities suspended ferry operations in Chilika until visibility improves and precautionary checks are completed.
- State rules require life jackets, but the deceased was reportedly not wearing one; local administration ordered restrictions to prevent further mishaps.
