Sourav Ganguly‘s brother and CAB President Snehasish Ganguly, along with his wife Arpita, had a narrow escape when their speedboat toppled, throwing them into the sea water off Puri beach.
Ganguly and his wife were enjoying water sports when the incident took place. Their boat was reportedly hit by a huge tide, after which it capsized. The incident occurred over 20 metres inside the sea at about 6 PM on Saturday.
“It was a life-threatening accident. The boat capsized, and we were saved by the local people and fishermen. I thank Lord Jagannath. This is sort of a second life for us,” said Snehasish Ganguly.
“I visit Puri every year – it has been a tradition for the past 31 years. I perform puja at the Jagannath Temple annually. On Saturday, we suddenly decided to go into the sea. I don’t know why I chose to do it – it was a last-minute decision.
“It was around 5:30 in the evening when we boarded the boat along with another couple. There were lifeguards on board. Suddenly, a powerful wave struck the boat, and it capsized instantly, turning [it] upside down. We were trapped beneath the capsized boat, inside the water.
“Before we could even realise what had happened, another wave struck, and the boat flipped upright. That gave us a chance to wriggle free from the trapped situation. Around that time, some lifeguards also reached and rescued us. I can’t express the relief – I just thank Lord Jagannath.”
VIDEO | Puri, Odisha: Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President and brother of former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly, Snehasish Ganguly, and his wife Arpita Ganguly were safely rescued after they encountered a horror as their speedboat capsized off Puri coast.… pic.twitter.com/rWCOB4bgYm
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 26, 2025
Several videos of the Speedboat accident in which lifeguards rushing to rescue the tourists using rubber tubes. The boat had a carrying capacity of 10 water sport enthusiasts, but the operators apparently allowed only three to four people on board.
Arpita alleged that boat overturned as it had less number of passengers and the sea was rough. She is reported to have decided to write to Chief Minister and Puri SP requesting them to stop water sports as Puri has a very rough sea.
Arpita was in deep shock after the incident and said timely intervention of the lifeguards saved their lives.
Sources said the Tourism department provides contracts to private water sports operators to offer various activities to the tourists visiting the beaches.
“We are verifying whether the operator was working legally and by following due procedures or not. Further action will be taken accordingly,” said an officer of Puri Police.
