Rescue Operation Saves 89 Tourists After Boat Trouble Near Papikondalu

What began as a leisurely river cruise along the Godavari turned into a tense ordeal when the vessel’s engine hiccupped just a few kilometres from the popular Papikondalu hills. The boat, packed with tourists eager to soak in the lush greenery and the gentle sway of the water, suddenly stalled, leaving passengers hanging in uncertainty.

Within minutes, local authorities and the state’s disaster response team sprang into action. Teams from the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (APSDRF), the police, and nearby boat operators converged on the scene, their radios crackling with coordination commands.

“We received the distress call and rushed to the spot. The boat was stuck, and the passengers were anxious, but thankfully everyone was unharmed,” said an APSDRF official who preferred not to be named. The rescuers used a combination of rope‑pulls and auxiliary boats to ferry the stranded tourists to the shore, a process that took roughly an hour.

By the time the last passenger stepped onto solid ground, the count stood at 89 individuals – a mix of families, couples, and solo travelers, most of them from nearby cities like Hyderabad and Chennai. While a few complained of minor dizziness or seasickness, no serious injuries were reported.

The incident sparked an immediate review of safety protocols for river tourism in the region. Officials announced plans to conduct regular engine checks and to install additional safety pontoons along the popular stretch between Rajahmundry and Papikondalu.

Tour operators, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the swift response. “Our guests’ safety is paramount. We’re relieved that everyone is fine and we’ll work closely with authorities to avoid such hiccups in the future,” one operator remarked.

For now, the boat has been towed back to the dock for a thorough inspection, and the rescued tourists are heading back home, likely with a story they’ll recount for years to come.