More than 100 passengers stranded in Assam's Gangadhar River after boat develops crack

More than 100 passengers were reportedly stranded in the middle of the Gangadhar River after a passenger boat developed a crack and began taking in water at Guma Ferry Ghat in Tamarkhat, Assam, on Monday, September 21.

The incident occurred while the boat was travelling from Tamarkhat to Kathaltali. According to preliminary information, the bottom of the vessel developed a crack, following which water started entering the boat. A portion of the vessel subsequently submerged.

The stranded passengers reportedly moved to a relatively higher portion of the boat in an attempt to protect themselves, with water reaching waist-to-chest level in some areas. A majority of those on board are said to be women and children.

The situation reportedly triggered panic among the passengers as they remained stranded in the middle of the river. The boat was carrying an e-rickshaw and more than 20 motorcycles at the time of the accident.

Questions have also been raised over the operation of the ferry service. According to allegations, the operator had been running the service for a prolonged period in violation of prescribed safety norms.

The vessel reportedly did not have a marine engine or adequate life jackets, with passengers allegedly being transported using an unsafe arrangement.

Further details on rescue operations and the condition of the stranded passengers are awaited.