Bhubaneshwar, January 3: The death toll in the boat capsized that took place in Mahanadi River near Nipania in Kendrapara district of Odisha, reached to nine on Thursday morning. The rescue team is trying to recover the bodies and has engaged Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) personnel in this mission.

The deceased persons include seven children and two women. They have been identified as Prabhati Swain (32), Anu Tarai (29), Ayush Tarai (4), Debasis Sahoo (8), Rosy Sahoo (14), Dhuna Sahoo (8), Ishani Dalai (3), Pinu Swain (5) and Khusi Pani (4). Odisha: 2 Dead, 7 Missing as Boat Carrying 30 People Capsizes in Kendrapara District.

As per the reports, a combined team of Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) personnel, firefighters, local administration along with some fishermen are engaged in the rescue mission. The operation is still underway to trace six-year-old Subhashree Swain, claimed to be missing.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his deep grief over the incident and announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to next of kin of each deceased persons. Along with this, he directed the concerned officials to provide free medical treatment to the injured.

The incident took place on Wednesday, when the sailor of the boat - ferrying around 55 picnickers of Ratanpur area of Kujang Tehsil - had gone to attend nature’s call. The boat overturned while it was ferrying them from Hukitola Lighthouse to Kujang area of Paradip.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 03, 2019 10:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).