Koshi Province Forms Probe Committee Following Fatal Boat Accident

The Koshi Province government has established a committee to investigate a deadly passenger boat accident that occurred on the Saptakoshi River this past Sunday. The provincial cabinet decided on Tuesday to task a team led by provincial secretary Aasman Tamang with uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident, according to reports from Onlinekhabar and Setopati. The committee has been granted seven days to submit its findings.

A Fatal Crossing

The accident took place at Triveni, a confluence point bordering the districts of Dhankuta, Bhojpur, and Udayapur. According to The Kathmandu Post, the motorboat was traveling from Kopche in Bhojpur to Barahakshetra in Sunsari when it suffered a mechanical failure. Local officials and police reports indicate that the vessel capsized in the river's strong current.

While authorities have confirmed three deaths, the toll remains a point of concern. The Kathmandu Post identified the deceased as Lila Rai, 21, an unidentified seven-year-old girl, and an unidentified man estimated to be 50. However, Onlinekhabar reported the victims as 52-year-old Lila Rai, five-year-old Arya Rai, and 55-year-old Ratna Bahadur Nepali.

Discrepancies also exist regarding the number of missing persons. While official police accounts cited by The Kathmandu Post state three individuals are missing—identified as seven-year-old Shivak Magar, 21-year-old Pramila Magar, and 22-year-old Manu Rai—Onlinekhabar noted that local claims suggest the number of missing could be as high as four.

Regulatory Gaps and Safety Concerns

The incident has reignited long-standing debates regarding the safety and regulation of water transport in the region. Onlinekhabar reported that the boat involved was an 'outboard motor' (OBM) vessel, which industry experts argue is poorly suited for the turbulent waters of the Saptakoshi. Critics suggest that these boats are designed for calm, stagnant water and lack the power and safety features of jet boats.

Furthermore, the lack of a clear regulatory framework remains a significant issue. Despite years of discussions regarding water transport, there is no comprehensive provincial or federal guideline governing safety standards, ticket pricing, or insurance for passengers. Barahakshetra Municipality Mayor Ramesh Karki stated that while the local government has attempted to regulate these services, the absence of a federal act has hindered enforcement.

As of now, search and rescue operations involving the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police continue. The provincial government has directed relevant agencies to intensify these efforts to locate the missing passengers.