"A second like": CAB President Snehasish Ganguly rescued after scary boat accident in Puri

Snehasish Ganguly, the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and elder brother of Sourav Ganguly, is counting his blessings after a terrifying brush with death off the Puri coast. What started as a peaceful seaside visit turned into a nightmare on May 24, when a boat ride went horribly wrong.

Snehasish and his wife, Arpita, were enjoying a quiet evening in Puri—part of an annual tradition he has followed for over three decades. Each year, he visits the sacred Jagannath Temple to offer prayers. But this year, something unplanned happened.

"It was a sudden decision to go into the sea. I don’t know why I chose to do it. We just felt like it," Snehasish said, still visibly shaken as he recounted the events.

At around 5:30 PM, the couple, along with another pair and a few lifeguards, boarded a boat for a short ride. Moments later, a giant wave struck without warning, capsizing the boat and trapping everyone beneath it.

"We were completely underwater. For a few moments, I genuinely thought… this could be the end," Snehasish said quietly.

Another wave came crashing in—but this one turned the boat upright, giving them a chance to escape the trap. Lifeguards who were nearby jumped into action, pulling them out of the water one by one.

Now back in Kolkata and safe, Snehasish is still processing what happened.

"I truly believe this is a second life for me and my wife. It was a life-threatening accident. And if not for the quick response of the local people and lifeguards… I don’t know what would have happened. I thank Lord Jagannath with all my heart," he said.

The incident sent shockwaves through Bengal’s cricketing circles and beyond. As word spread, well-wishers flooded social media with relief and gratitude for the couple’s safety. His younger brother, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, has remained in close touch since the accident.