Odisha government today said a probe has revealed that "thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds was the cause of the boat tragedy" in Chilika lake in which at least six persons died on June 16.
A probe by director of Ports and Inland Water Transport, Subrat Rout revealed that prime facie it appears that the boat capsized under the impact of strong winds, Commerce and Transport, secretary G Srinivas said.
Commerce and Transport Minister Nrushingha Sahu had asked Rout to probe into the causes of the boat tragedy. Rout submitted his report into the boat tragedy to the state government.
The secretary said: "We are reviewing the findings of the report in order to ensure what corrective measures can be taken to prevent such mishaps in future."
The report also stated that though there were adequate life saving equipment including life jackets and lifebuoys in the ill-fated boat, they were not used by the passengers.
"Life saving equipment was provided to the boat operators in Chilika lake by the Khurda district administration. At least 20 life jackets were also given to the boat owner against the seating capacity of 15 persons in the boat. We will now work to ensure that awareness is created among tourists as well as others to use such equipment," Srinivas said.
The country boat carrying 15 passengers and two boat men had capsized in the Chilika lake on June 16 evening after it was caught in a thunderstorm accompanied by strong wind and rain.
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