Tragedy Strikes as Tourist Boat Capsizes Off Calangute Beach, Goa, on Christmas Day

North Goa: A tragic incident occurred on Christmas Day off Calangute Beach, North Goa, when a tourist boat carrying 20 passengers capsized, leading to the death of a 54-year-old man. The boat, which was carrying 13 members of a family from Maharashtra’s Khed, capsized around 1:30 PM, approximately 60 meters from the coastline.

While most of the passengers were wearing life jackets, two individuals were not, making them vulnerable as the boat overturned. 18 on-duty lifeguards quickly sprang into action, rescuing the stranded passengers from the sea and bringing them to safety. Four of the passengers, including two children and two women aged 25 and 55, were critically injured and taken to a hospital for treatment, with some receiving life-saving medical attention.

The rescue operation helped bring 20 survivors ashore, though the loss of one life has left the local community mourning. Authorities have assured the public that the injured have received the necessary medical attention, with those in critical condition transported to nearby facilities.

Goa, a hotspot for tourists during the Christmas and New Year holidays, witnessed this unfortunate incident during a period of heavy footfall. Safety on tourist boats remains a concern as authorities urge passengers to ensure they are equipped with life jackets during such excursions.