At least three passengers died due to drowning in the Yamuna river in Uttar Pradesh's Banda district after an overloaded boat capsized Thursday, August 11, reported news agency ANI. According to the report, 20 people have been rescued while 17 are still missing.
Rescue operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams resumed early Friday morning after being halted in the night due to rain.
"NDRF, SDRF teams here. It's rained thus its become slippery which is causing issue with rescue. Rescue ops aren't conducted at night, we'll begin as soon as dawn hits. 3 bodies have yet been recovered, post mortem being conducted, 17 people still missing, DIG VK Mishra said while speaking to the media on Thursday, reported ANI.
The boat was travelling from Marka to Jarauli Ghat in Fatehpur district when it capsized midway in the Yamuna river. As many as 40 passengers including 8 women and 4 children were on the boat when the incident happened.
"In the boat around 40 people were onboard. The boat capsized after one of its flanks broke, there were 8 women and 4 children on board too," reported ANI.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the Banda boat incident and offered condolences to the kin of the bereaved families.
Taking to Twitter after the incident on Thursday, Yogi said, "The loss of life in the boat accident in Yamuna river under Banda district is very sad and unfortunate. My condolences are with the bereaved families".