A 45-year-old tourist from Maharashtra died and 12 others were rescued when a boat carrying tourists capsized off North Goa’s Calangute beach on Wednesday, the Coastal Police said.
Police said the incident took place at 12.30 pm when the ‘watersports’ boat was carrying tourists. The boat was carrying a driver, helper and 11 members of a family from Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district.
“According to preliminary information, the boat was about 70 meters from the beach when its motor allegedly malfunctioned, after which it capsized and was swept away by the waves,” a police official said. “All passengers on board were rescued by lifeguards and brought ashore. All 13 passengers have been taken to the primary health center. One person was declared dead on arrival, while six passengers were referred to Goa Medical College for observation and treatment. Their condition is stable.”
The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Suryakant Pofalkar of Ratnagiri district Khed, police said. Two children aged four and five were taken to the primary health center for checkup. The police said that an investigation has been started and if negligence is found, an investigation will be conducted.
The boat’s owner, Antoine Coutinho, told the media that the boat’s motor suddenly stopped working, causing the boat to capsize.
But one passenger has claimed that the boat capsized due to overload and one passenger was not given a life jacket.
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