Speedboat hits Hooghly teenager in New Digha

DIGHA: A tourist in New Digha was seriously injured after being hit by a speedboat while the teen was bathing in the sea around 7.30am-8am on Friday. Staffers of the speedboat operator rescued and allegedly took him to Contai hospital, about 35km away, even though Digha has a hospital. The local police station was allegedly not informed either.
Rakesh Bag, 17, of Hooghly’s Konnagar, along with his family, went for a dip at the New Digha beach after breakfast.“I was bathing in the sea when I was suddenly hit by a speedboat. I sustained injuries on my knees and right hand and was bleeding and in great pain. The boat operator’s staffers took me to the hospital,” Bag said.
An officer from Digha police station said, “We were not informed about the accident when it happened. We heard of it when Contai Hospital authorities contacted us after the injured teenager was taken there. A team from our police station immediately visited New Digha beach but couldn’t find any speedboat or water scooter of the operator whose vessel was involved in the accident. However, we suspended all amusement rides with speedboats and water scooters.”
East Mindapore SP V Solomon Nessakumar said, “A teenaged tourist was hit by a speedboat and sustained injuries. The speedboat operator has taken responsibility of his treatment expense. We have not received any complaint from the victim’s family. If a complaint is lodged, we will take action.”