Boat retrieval operation commences in Rajamahendravaram

Rajamahendravaram: Finally, the district administration launched operations on Sunday to retrieve boat Vasista Royal Punnami which capsized in River Godavari at Katchurulu of Devipatnam mandal on September 15.

Twenty six survived in the tragedy, 38 bodies were retrieved and 13 people are still missing. An experts committee consisting of officials of port, Navy, irrigation and fisheries departments ecommended the name Balaji Marines, a salvage firm which has experience in th field, to bring the drowned boat from riverbed. Darmadi Satyam of Kakinada and Gulla Siva Pasivedula of West Godavari district will to conduct the operation.

According to an official of the port department, necessary anchors, ropes and other required material were sent to Katchaluru and poclainers have also been deployed.

Meanwhile, officials of port department started inspection of fitness of private tourist boats in as per the directions of Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy.

But, it is alleged that port officials are trying to rectify their lapses in issuing permission to ply boats to private tour operators without even checking their travel worthiness in the name of Chief Minister's directions.