Mishap Averted: Engine Failure Leaves Steamer Stranded Mid-Barak in Siddheshwar Ghat; SDRF Rescues All Passengers

A major mishap was narrowly averted on Monday evening (June 9) after a steamer ferry carrying passengers across the Barak River suffered an engine failure and became stranded midstream near the Siddheshwar Ferry Ghat in Katigorah, Cachar.

With the Barak River water level high since the last flood, the boat was reportedly swept off course by the strong river current, leading to panic among those onboard. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the steamer began drifting out of control.

Since the closure of the Gamon Bridge in May, ferry boats have become the only mode of commute between the two banks of the Barak.

Fortunately, a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), already stationed in the area following the closure of the Gamon Bridge, responded swiftly. A separate boat was deployed to tow the stranded steamer to safety, and all passengers were rescued unharmed by the SDRF team.

A mechanical failure in the engine is suspected as the cause of the incident.

The Gamon Bridge, which connects key parts of Katigorah over the Barak, has been closed to heavy vehicles since May 20 for maintenance and safety inspections. It is expected to reopen on July 20, prompting increased reliance on ferry transport in the interim.