<p>The steering lock of Sigandur Launch (Sharavathi - 1), which was moving from the Holebagilu area of Sharavathi backwaters to the Ambargodlu, broke down leaving passengers on the launch worried on Thursday.</p><p>The launch is an important link for people to move different places and also to fetch essential services amid heavy rains in many places in the Sharavathi backwater region.</p><p>The lock of the launch, which was carrying many vehicles and people to the Ambargodlu, suddenly broke. It changed direction in the wind without the driver's control, sending people into tizzy.</p><p>The launch staff immediately contacted the bridge construction company staff and managed to tie a rope with the help of a boat. They later pulled the launch to the river bank. There were 45 passengers on the launch, including a bus connecting the Sagar city from Byakodu, Sulalli, and Sigandur areas.</p><p>A possible tragedy was averted as the launch was safely towed. The Sharavathi 1 and Sharavathi 2 launches operating on the Holebagilu-Ambaragodlu route are in good condition. The steering lock may have been broken due to excessive pressure, Port and Inland Water Transport Department Ship Inspector Dhanendra Kumar told DH.</p>
<p>The steering lock of Sigandur Launch (Sharavathi - 1), which was moving from the Holebagilu area of Sharavathi backwaters to the Ambargodlu, broke down leaving passengers on the launch worried on Thursday.</p><p>The launch is an important link for people to move different places and also to fetch essential services amid heavy rains in many places in the Sharavathi backwater region.</p><p>The lock of the launch, which was carrying many vehicles and people to the Ambargodlu, suddenly broke. It changed direction in the wind without the driver's control, sending people into tizzy.</p><p>The launch staff immediately contacted the bridge construction company staff and managed to tie a rope with the help of a boat. They later pulled the launch to the river bank. There were 45 passengers on the launch, including a bus connecting the Sagar city from Byakodu, Sulalli, and Sigandur areas.</p><p>A possible tragedy was averted as the launch was safely towed. The Sharavathi 1 and Sharavathi 2 launches operating on the Holebagilu-Ambaragodlu route are in good condition. The steering lock may have been broken due to excessive pressure, Port and Inland Water Transport Department Ship Inspector Dhanendra Kumar told DH.</p>
