GUWAHATI: Search operation to trace the three persons who went missing in a country boat capsize at Lalamukh ferry ghat in Hailakandi district on Sunday failed for the second successive day, an official source in Hailakandi said.
The SDRF personnel resumed their search operation on Monday morning but due to strong undercurrent deep divers couldn’t plunge headlong to trace the missing persons. In-charge cum DCO, Fire Service, Hailakandi, Albert L. Khobung informed that due to strong current the divers couldn’t dive deep but different techniques are being applied to find out the missing persons. However, the operation was called off in the evening hours due to low visibility. Deep divers from Silchar joined the SDRF on Monday morning.
The missing persons have been identified as Sumit Parsi (27) and his brother Ajay Parsi (22) and Ramesh Parsi (38).
At around 3 pm on Sunday, a country boat with more than 30 people on board was on its way to North Jyotsnabad across the Katakhal river from Lalamukh ferry ghat when it overturned in rough weather.
As per information received, several youths from Lalamukh tea estate boarded the already overloaded country boat at Lalamukh ferry ghat to witness the finals of a football match at North Jyotsnabad on the other side of the turbulent river.
The SDRF launched a search operation but after several rounds, the operation was suspended as darkness descended. Assam Police personnel also supervised the rescue operation.
On getting the information about the mishap, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amalendu Roy, SDO, Katlicherra, James Aind and other senior officials of the district administration reached the site of the accident and swung into action. The lessee of the ferry ghat Naimuddin Laskar has been arrested.
Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan while expressing his grief over the tragic accident, assured all possible help and support to the families of those missing. Khan also requested the NDRF Commandant in Guwahati to supplement the efforts of SDRF engaged in search operation of the missing. The Deputy Commissioner said the administration will leave no stone unturned in the rescue operation.
ADC Roy also visited the families of those missing and assured all possible help from the administration side at the hour of distress.