Gujarat: Commuter Boat Capsizes in Mahisagar River, All Passengers Rescued

Vadodara: A potential tragedy was narrowly avoided on Tuesday morning after a boat carrying daily commuters capsized in the Mahisagar River near Padra in Gujarat’s Vadodara district. More than eight passengers were rescued safely, officials said.

The passengers had boarded a small private boat from the Padra side and were heading towards Gambhira when the boat overturned midstream. Preliminary reports suggest the vessel lost balance, possibly due to a strong river current, causing all those on board to be thrown into the water.

Chaos broke out as passengers struggled in the river and cried out for help. Local boatmen, swimmers, and nearby residents immediately rushed to the scene and launched a rescue effort. Their swift response ensured that everyone was pulled out of the river without injury.

“The boat suddenly tilted and overturned. Everyone fell into the water at the same time. We jumped in immediately and managed to rescue them,” said a local eyewitness who participated in the rescue.

Police officials confirmed that there were no casualties, though the exact number of passengers aboard the boat is still being ascertained.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by commuters since the closure of the Gambhira bridge, a vital connection between Padra in Vadodara district and parts of Anand district. The bridge was shut after suffering structural damage, forcing residents to take a lengthy detour of nearly 50 to 60 kilometres.

To avoid the long commute, many villagers, labourers, and daily wage earners have been using private boats to cross the Mahisagar River, despite the risks involved.

“The bridge has been closed for months. Crossing the river by boat is the only practical way to reach work and nearby villages,” said one commuter, while another resident described the arrangement as unsafe but unavoidable.

Following the incident, local authorities urged people to remain cautious and avoid using unauthorised or overloaded boats, warning that such crossings pose serious dangers until safer alternatives are arranged.

With inputs from IANS