A 35-year-old tourist from East Burdwan district died on Saturday morning after being struck by a speedboat while bathing in the sea at Digha's Sihakghola Ghat. The deceased, identified as Sheikh Bapan, had travelled to the popular seaside destination with a group of friends for a weekend trip.
Accident details and immediate response
Witnesses reported that Bapan and his friends entered the water around 9:30 am when a speedboat suddenly rammed into him. He sustained critical injuries, including severe head trauma, and was rushed to Digha State General Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Digha Mohana police have seized the speedboat and initiated a probe into the incident.
Contai Sub-Divisional Officer Dhumal Pratik Ashok stated, "We are trying to contact the agency that operates the speedboat to ascertain how the accident occurred. A thorough investigation is underway." The boat operator has not yet been identified, and police are examining whether the driver was licensed or if safety protocols were violated.
Weather advisory ignored by tourists
The administration had issued an advisory earlier on Saturday warning tourists to stay away from the sea due to a rough weather forecast. Despite this, conditions improved by late morning, and several tourists entered the water, ignoring the warning. Local residents noted that many visitors routinely disregard such advisories, especially during peak holiday seasons.
History of boating accidents in Digha
The incident has renewed scrutiny of Digha's commercial boating activities, which have faced criticism in the past over inadequate safety regulation. Locals recalled a similar incident three years ago when a speedboat reportedly struck and critically injured another tourist at the same ghat. That victim survived but suffered permanent disabilities. Activists have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of boating rules, including mandatory life jackets, speed limits near bathing areas, and regular inspections of vessels.
According to data from the Digha Tourism Department, over 50 speedboats operate in the area during peak season, but only a fraction undergo annual safety checks. The West Bengal Tourism Ministry has yet to comment on the latest accident. Police have registered a case of causing death by negligence and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments to identify the speedboat operator.
