Srinagar: A group of young Kashmiri men came to the rescue of a tourist family after their shikara capsized in Dal Lake due to strong winds, an incident that has captured the attention of many online. This dramatic event unfolded on April 16, 2025, during the peak tourist season in Srinagar, when sudden gusts of wind overturned the boat, sending four people, including the family from Rajasthan and their boatman, into the chilly waters of the lake.
The incident was recorded on video, which has since gone viral, showing the moments of chaos as the shikara tipped over. The clip, less than a minute long, vividly depicts the overturning boat as strong winds lashed the area. Fortunately, several local boatmen quickly responded, rushing to the scene in their own shikaras to assist the stranded tourists. One witness, Mohammad Aslam, a local shikara owner, commented, "There was a tourist family in the boat, and they were rescued by local boat owners who were nearby. It was a close call. They were rescued in time."
Police officials confirmed that all four individuals were rescued safely, with reports indicating that the passengers may have been moving around on the shikara, which could have contributed to its tipping over. Authorities have since launched an inquiry into the incident, taking the capsized boat for inspection as part of the ongoing investigation aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Ravinder Raina, a national executive member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former president of the party in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, shared the video on social media, praising the swift action of the local men. He wrote, "Well done boys, proud of you," accompanied by the hashtag #Kashmiri_Boys, highlighting the bravery and community spirit displayed during the rescue.
The dramatic rescue coincided with a sudden change in weather across Jammu and Kashmir, as heavy rains swept through the region, providing a much-needed respite from an extended spell of unseasonal heat. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar reported that Gulmarg received 7.2 mm of rainfall, while Pahalgam recorded 2.8 mm by 5:30 PM on the same day. The temperature in Srinagar dropped to a more comfortable 26.1 degrees Celsius, down from 30.4 degrees Celsius the previous day, much to the relief of both residents and tourists.
This weather change not only affected the Dal Lake area but also extended to other parts of the region, including Himachal Pradesh, which experienced significant rainfall and snowfall. The Shimla Centre of the India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall across several regions, warning of potential disruptions. Videos circulating on social media depicted the chaos that ensued, with commuters, including tourists, struggling amid the adverse weather. Footage showed vehicles trapped in floodwaters and heavy snow, while motorcyclists fought to maintain their balance on slippery roads.
The incident at Dal Lake serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather in the region, especially during transitional seasons. Local authorities are now focusing on ensuring the safety of tourists and residents alike, with a renewed emphasis on monitoring weather conditions and providing timely warnings to prevent future incidents.
As the community rallies together to support its visitors, the quick actions of the Kashmiri men have been widely celebrated. Their readiness to help strangers in distress not only exemplifies the hospitality for which the region is known but also highlights the importance of local knowledge and preparedness in dealing with unforeseen circumstances.
In the wake of this incident, the tourism department in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to review safety protocols for boat rides on Dal Lake, ensuring that all operators are trained to handle emergencies effectively. This will likely include guidelines on passenger behavior to minimize risks during boat rides, especially in unpredictable weather conditions.
As the story of the rescue spreads, it serves to highlight the resilience and unity of the Kashmiri people, who often come together in times of crisis. The local response to the shikara capsizing has not only saved lives but has also reinforced the bonds of community and mutual support that are vital in the picturesque but sometimes perilous landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
With the summer tourist season approaching, local officials are hopeful that the incident will prompt both tourists and locals to prioritize safety while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. As the community reflects on this close call, the commitment to safeguarding visitors remains a top priority, ensuring that the stunning vistas of Dal Lake continue to attract and welcome tourists from around the world.
