Passenger Ferry Stranded on Brahmaputra River: Rescue Operations Underway

Ferry Incident on Brahmaputra River

Jorhat, June 21: A passenger ferry, carrying approximately 45 individuals along with several vehicles, became stranded in the Brahmaputra River today while traveling from Nimatighat to Kamalabari Ghat.

The vessel, known as PL Digaru, set off from Nimatighat around 8:30 AM and was nearing its destination, just a kilometer away from Kamalabari Ghat, when it encountered a sandbar in shallow waters.

For about 40 minutes, the ferry remained stuck, causing alarm among the passengers onboard.

Alongside the passengers, the ferry was transporting four cars and around 13 other vehicles of various sizes.

Local boat operators attempted to reach the stranded ferry, but the shallow waters hindered their efforts to get close enough for assistance.

The Inland Waterways Department quickly contacted the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for support.

“We received reports that the RPL Digaru ferry was stuck near Kamalabari due to low water levels,” stated a rescue official.

“Initially, we tried to approach the ferry with a single boat, but the water was too shallow. We then deployed a larger ferry and coordinated with SDRF, sending two additional boats to assist the trapped vessel. The SDRF teams are now in proximity to the ferry, and rescue operations are in progress.”

Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries thus far, but this incident raises ongoing concerns regarding navigational safety on the Brahmaputra, especially along the Jorhat–Majuli route.