The vessel was ferrying pilgrims who had visited Sagar Island to take a holy dip at the Ganga and Bay of Bengal confluence on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and reportedly lost its way due to the dense fog. The passengers and the crew are reported to be safe.

According to the South 24 Parganas administration, the vessel was recovered after the fog cleared.

“#NDRF@2_ndrf unwavering commitment persists in collaboration with civil administration at #GangasagarMela2024. Amidst the Maha Snan during Makara Sankranti, @2_ndrf provides crucial aid to pilgrims, strengthening civil administration efforts & showcasing impeccable teamwork,” the NDRF said in a post on its handle on X, formerly Twitter.

A drop in the water level of the Muriganga river saw vessel movement being suspended for about five hours from Monday night, inconveniencing thousands of pilgrims who had to wait at the Sagar ferry ghat in severe cold.

Angry at not getting a vessel to return from Gangasagar, pilgrims protested by surrounding government vehicles at Rudranagar, Bagbazar, Krishnanagar etc and blocked roads.

While services resumed early Tuesday morning, within a few hours, the visibility had reduced to zero due to the dense fog and the services were discontinued, only to resume later in the day.