A group of 23 tourists had a narrow escape after the boat they were travelling in got stranded mid-sea near the Digha estuary in West Bengal on Saturday night.

The tourists were on their way to Digha for Lord Jagannath darshan when the incident occurred, leaving their pilgrimage incomplete.

According to sources, the tourists had boarded the boat from Patharpratima in South 24 Parganas district to reach Digha. However, while the vessel was midway through the sea near the Digha estuary, its engine suddenly developed a technical snag, causing the boat to stop abruptly. The vessel remained stuck in deep and turbulent waters, putting the lives of all passengers at risk.

The boat remained stranded for several hours, triggering panic among the tourists. Fortunately, mobile network connectivity was available, allowing the passengers to contact the police helpline and seek immediate assistance. Acting swiftly, police teams rushed to the spot and initiated a rescue operation.

All 23 tourists were safely rescued and brought ashore without any injuries. Authorities said timely communication and prompt response helped avert a major mishap. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the engine failure, while officials have advised stricter safety checks for marine transport operating in the region.