A tragic incident took place when a ship driver suddenly collapsed and died while on patrol in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapara district, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

The unfortunate incident took place on Wednesday night and the deceased was identified as 56-year-old Chandan Maiti. His body was sent for autopsy and authorities suspect the cause of death was a heart attack.

This incident comes as the province imposes a seven-month ban on marine fishing effective November 1, aimed at protecting Olive Ridley turtles during the annual nesting season along critical waterways.

(With input from institutions.)