In a prompt operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 182 pilgrims from the stranded vessel "Swasthya Sathi" near Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The vessel, carrying around 400 pilgrims returning from the Ganga Sagar Mela at Sagar Island to Kakdwip, ran aground in the Muriganga river due to extremely poor visibility, as reported by an ICG official.
Upon receiving a message from the District Magistrate (South 24 Parganas), the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) promptly deployed two Air Cushion Vehicles (Hovercrafts) from Haldia in East Midnapore and Sagar Island to offer assistance. The hovercrafts efficiently evacuated 182 pilgrims and guided the remaining individuals on the boat to a secure destination.
Later chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, “A problem surfaced in a vessel. We sorted it out quickly.” She added, “So far, the footfall of pilgrims has crossed 1.10 crores. Still, there are around 27,000 pilgrims who want to visit the area. We will help them in return. We do not know magic. But hard work and monitoring have no alternative.”