Our Bureau
Puri
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly’s elder brother, Snehasish Ganguly, and his wife, Arpita, narrowly escaped death after their speedboat capsized in the turbulent waters of Puri on Saturday evening. The incident occurred near the Lighthouse area, where the couple was enjoying a water sports activity, according to police and eyewitness reports.
Video footage aired by local channels showed the boat being struck by a massive wave—described by Arpita as “almost ten-storey high”—causing it to overturn and throw all passengers, including the Gangulys, into the rough sea. Lifeguards stationed on the beach responded immediately, using rubber floats to rescue everyone on board.
“We were saved by the grace of God. I am still in trauma,” Arpita said in a video message. She criticized the lack of regulation in water sports and stated her intention to write to the Puri Superintendent of Police and the Odisha Chief Minister, urging stricter oversight. “This should not happen. Water sports in the sea must be properly regulated,” she added.
Arpita further alleged that the speedboat was dangerously unstable, carrying only four passengers on a vessel designed for ten, making it unfit to handle the high tides. She claimed that despite raising concerns about rough sea conditions, the operators assured them it was safe to proceed. “Shortly after venturing out, a huge wave hit the boat, and it capsized,” she recounted.
Local residents and eyewitnesses accused the private adventure company operating the boat of employing untrained staff and ignoring essential safety protocols. There were also allegations that the company lacked necessary permissions from district authorities.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter regulation of water sports in Puri, with some demanding a temporary ban until safety standards are improved. Both Snehasish and Arpita Ganguly are reported to be safe but visibly shaken by the ordeal.
