Overview

• On May 24 a speedboat carrying CAB president Snehasish Ganguly and his wife Arpita capsized near the Puri lighthouse after a large wave struck an underloaded vessel in rough sea conditions.
• Lifeguards deployed on the beach used rubber floats to reach the overturned boat and rescued all tourists on board without injuries.
• Arpita Ganguly accused the operator of allowing fewer than the 10-person capacity for profit, which she said destabilised the boat and led to its overturning.
• Puri district collector Siddharth Shankar Swain ordered an inquiry and oversaw the demolition of the operator’s makeshift office and ticket counter.
• Authorities found the firm operating outside its permitted high-tide zone and intend to cancel its licence and pursue legal action while reviewing watersports safety protocols.