Overcome with grief after the death of their 11-year-old daughter due to a kidney ailment, a couple attempted suicide while travelling in a launch in Kolkata on Saturday but were saved by its staff’s quick thinking and swift action.

The incident occurred near Majh Ganga when the launch was travelling from Howrah towards Ahiritola. The other passengers were shocked when the couple attempted suicide. Without hesitation, the launch staff leapt into the river with safety tyres and rescued both individuals.

The couple were then given first aid on the launch. The Malipanchghara police promptly arrived and provided further primary treatment to the distressed couple. They have contacted the couple’s family.

“The couple, residents of Lilua Bhatnagar, were deeply traumatised by the recent passing of their only daughter, who succumbed to a complex kidney problem at a young age. It is believed that this profound loss led to their desperate act,” said an official.

The couple had boarded the launch at Salkia’s Bandhaghat, intending to travel to Ahiritola. The launch staff are being commended for their courageous and timely intervention that prevented a tragic outcome.

The authorities are also considering how to best support the mentally distraught couple.