Assam: A passenger boat carrying over 50 people, including men, women, and children, became stranded in the Brahmaputra River near Dhubri on the night of January 2, as dense fog and shallow water levels rendered navigation impossible. The passengers endured a freezing night marooned in the middle of the river, grappling with the cold and a lack of shelter or supplies.
Upon receiving distress calls, rescue efforts were swiftly launched. A regular boat and two mechanized boats were dispatched from Dhubri to assist the stranded passengers. One of the mechanized boats successfully rescued 15 individuals. However, the rescue mission faced further complications as the other two boats became stuck due to the same treacherous conditions of dense fog and fluctuating water levels. These rescue boats were finally freed and brought to safety the following morning, January 3.
Passengers and eyewitnesses recounted their ordeal, describing the anxiety and discomfort of being exposed to the biting cold without basic necessities. “It was a night of helplessness,” one passenger remarked, highlighting the risks associated with navigating the Brahmaputra during the winter season.
The incident underscores the challenges posed by the river’s terrain and weather during this time of year. Dense fog and unpredictable water levels make travel perilous, demanding heightened precautions for both passengers and operators. Authorities are expected to review safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
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