MAPUSA
In a dramatic incident this afternoon, a sightseeing boat carrying several tourists, including small children, capsized off the coast of Baga Beach.
Quick-thinking local fishermen sprang into action, rushing to the rescue of all the passengers. Thankfully, no lives were lost, though two individuals were injured in the mishap.
The incident occurred around 2.30 pm, when the boat, reportedly overloaded with passengers, overturned in the waters off the popular beach.
Witnesses say the boat was filled beyond its stipulated capacity, and this may have been a contributing factor to the capsizing of the boat.
"Everything happened so fast. The boat just flipped over," recalled one of the shaken tourists. "There were too many people on board, and it felt unstable even before it left the shore. We knew something was off, but we didn’t expect this."
Local fishermen on the beach, noticing the commotion, acted swiftly. They plunged into the sea, swimming towards the overturned vessel and helping the struggling passengers to safety.
Many of the rescued tourists, including children, were brought back to the shore by the fishermen. However, two of the tourists, who were trapped under the capsized boat, sustained injuries.
They were promptly rushed to the Candolim Primary Health Centre (PHC) for medical attention. While their injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening, they remain under observation.
