89 tourists were rescued after the boat got stuck on its way to Papikondal

Tourist boats docked at the Gandiposamma temple point near Devipatnam in Polavaram district after authorities suspended services pending a security audit. | Photo credit: ARRANGEMENT

At least 89 tourists were rescued after a private boat developed a technical snag in the Godavari river near Gandiposamma temple point in Devipatnam mandal of Polavaram district on June 12. When the problem was detected, the ship had traveled almost one kilometer from the embarkation point.

Rampacchodavaram Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashraf Ali told The Hindu that the boat driver noticed a sudden drop in speed due to a technical problem allegedly related to the connecting bolts. However, officials from the irrigation department are investigating the exact cause of the malfunction.

The private operator later deployed another boat, the Jalasri, to ferry the tourists who continued their planned journey to the Papikonda range. “Both ships, including the one that developed a technical snag, have since returned to their embarkation point,” Mr Ashraf Ali said.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Rampacchodavaram Revenue Division Officeal Officer K. Swathi said an inquiry committee comprising officials from revenue, irrigation, tourism and police departments has been set up to find out the cause of the breakdown and investigate whether any operational guidelines were violated.

Meanwhile, all tourist boats plying between the Gandiposamma temple point and the Papikonda range have been suspended until further orders.

“From Sunday, a fresh safety audit of all private boats will be conducted. The audit will check safety measures and compliance with operational guidelines before allowing the boats to resume services,” Ms Swathi said.

However, there are no restrictions on shipping from Kunavaram through which tourist boats enter the Papikonda range via Bhadrachalam in Telangana.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 21:41 IST