1 killed, 20 rescued as tourist boat sinks off Goa beach

Dubai: A day of holiday cheer turned into tragedy when a tourist boat capsized in the Arabian Sea near Calangute Beach on Wednesday, leaving one dead and 20 others rescued in a dramatic operation, Indian media reported.

The incident occurred around 1:30pm, authorities said. A senior police official confirmed that a 54-year-old man lost his life, while 20 passengers, including women and children as young as six, were pulled from the water and rushed to safety.

“Except for two passengers, all others were wearing life jackets,” the police official stated, underscoring the crucial role of safety measures in preventing further fatalities.

The ill-fated boat capsized about 60 meters from the coastline, sending all its passengers into the turbulent sea. Among them was a family of 13 from Maharashtra’s Khed district, who were enjoying a day out when disaster struck.

Rapid response saves the day

A vigilant personnel from Drishti Marine, a government-appointed lifesaving agency, was the first to spot the sinking vessel. Within moments, 18 lifesavers were on the scene, rescuing passengers and bringing them ashore.

“Two children aged six and seven, along with two women aged 25 and 55, were critically injured but revived and hospitalized,” a spokesperson from Drishti Marine told the Press Trust of India.

The scenic shores of Goa, a magnet for tourists during the festive season, witnessed a somber twist to holiday celebrations.

This tragedy comes just a week after another maritime disaster off the Mumbai coast, where a Navy craft lost control during engine trials and crashed into a passenger ferry, killing 15.

The ferry, carrying more than 100 passengers, was on its way from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist attraction famous for its cave temples.

Authorities have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in the region, as two passengers on the capsized boat were reportedly not wearing life jackets — a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety measuresGoa is a popular tourist destination, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.