GUWAHATI: A massive search operation aided by hi-tech equipment conducted on Brahmaputra River in Guwahati throughout Thursday failed to fish out any more victim of Thursday’s boat tragedy. At least four identified passengers of the ill-fated, over-loaded motorboat that was carrying estimated 42 passengers on board have remained untraced.
Four bodies were recovered and 19 passengers were rescued alive immediately after the mishap on Wednesday afternoon by a few local boat owners of North Guwahati.
Meanwhile, Assam’s Health and PWD minister, Himanta Bishwa Sharma who visited the family members of two girl students from Cotton College killed in the boat tragedy, assured to improve the ferry service between Guwahati city and North Guwahati. North Guwahati area falls under Jalukbari constituency represented by Sharma in the state Assembly.
The two absconding drivers of the motorboats that sunk in the river were arrested by the police even as chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered an inquiry by Additional Chief Secretary, Jishnu Baruah into the tragedy.
The operation of motorboat services between Guwahati city and North Guwahati has been suspended and the government has assured to ply three new ferries on the river route soon besides introducing Ro-Ro service.
Meanwhile, a group of motorboat service users has lodged a case against state Inland Water Transport (IWT) director for allowing unfit motorboats to ply on across Brahmaputra River thereby putting people’s life at stake.
Army para commandos also took part in the search operation that resumed at 5-30 on Thursday morning. There were a large number of persons from the NDRF and SDRF trying their best to locate victims of the boat tragedy. A ship and an Aviator Helicopter of Army were used in the search operation that covered the stretch on the river from Ashwaklanta River to Saraighat Bridge. The divers used speed boats.
The might Brahmaputra River which is also called Red River, is known for its strong current and muddy water during the rainy season. The search team was facing a tough time because of the strong current and muddy water.