PATNA: A grim tragedy almost unparalleled in the recent history of Bihar occurred here yesterday [Sept 12]. “Cormorant”, a passenger steamer with a total capacity of 1,000, carrying passengers across the Ganges sank in mid-stream in the early hours of the morning.

The ill-fated steamer embarked on its journey at 6-40 a.m. from Dighaghat fully loaded. It suddenly struck a submerged [object] which was being carried by the strong current. A leak sprung in its hull, and amidst the wails of women, shrieks of children and cries for help from men, it sank deeper and deeper and within ten minutes was enveloped by the waves of the swollen Ganges.

Many persons from the lower deck attempted to rush to the upper one which was comparatively more safe, but in this scramble for life, only a few could succeed. Those already on the upper deck were mostly saved by the rescue steamers and boats that rushed to the spot in response to S.O.S. sirens. The loss of life is stated to be quite heavy.

There were, however, many miraculous escapes. A bania who was going to Chapra with currency notes worth one lakh tied to his person, safely swam across. (Dawn, Delhi)

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2014