Pune, Maharashtra – A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday evening, May 21, when a boat capsized in the Ujani dam waters near Kalashi village in Pune district, Maharashtra. Six people are reported missing as a result of the accident, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.
The boat, which was ferrying locals between Kalashi and Bhugav villages, capsized amid strong winds and a thunderstorm. The Pune Rural Police confirmed that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local administration and police, are actively involved in the search and rescue operations.
“Seven people were on the boat when it capsized,” said Pune Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh. “One of them managed to swim to safety and raised the alarm, leading local villagers and rescue teams to the scene. Unfortunately, the other six remain missing.”
The victims included three men, a woman, and two children, according to Indapur Tehsildar Shrikant Patil. The boat, used regularly by locals to cross the water body, overturned due to the adverse weather conditions.
“The strong winds and heavy rain made the situation extremely perilous,” said an official on site. “The boat, which normally operates safely in calm conditions, couldn’t withstand the turbulent weather and capsized.”
The surviving passenger, an assistant police inspector, managed to swim ashore and alert the authorities. The search for the missing individuals continued through the night and into the following day, with hopes of finding survivors diminishing as time passed.
Local villagers have joined the rescue teams in the search efforts, demonstrating community solidarity in the face of the disaster. “We are doing everything possible to locate and rescue the missing individuals,” assured a spokesperson from the rescue teams.
As the rescue operations continue, authorities are urging caution and advising against non-essential travel across the dam waters, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures and emergency preparedness for those using such transportation services in rural areas.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available and as rescue operations progress.
