Daijiworld Media Network - Vrindavan
Vrindavan, Apr 10: At least 10 people have lost their lives and several others remain missing after a tourist boat capsized in the Yamuna River near Shringar Ghat in Vrindavan on Friday.
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Vrindavan Kotwali police station when a steamer carrying around 25 passengers reportedly lost balance and overturned midstream, triggering panic among those on board.
District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh confirmed the death toll at 10, while indicating that several passengers are still unaccounted for. Police said that 22 people have been rescued so far and were rushed to nearby hospitals using ambulances and Police Response Vehicles.
According to SP Rural Suresh Chandra Rawat, the mishap took place near Keshi Ghat along a stretch of the river where repair work was underway on a pontoon bridge. Authorities suspect that the ongoing maintenance activity and the condition of the structure may have contributed to the accident, though the exact cause is yet to be established.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police and divers deployed at the site. Search efforts are continuing on a war footing to trace the missing persons.
Eyewitnesses said the boat capsized suddenly, leaving passengers with little time to react. Cries for help filled the air as several people struggled in the water, while locals rushed to assist and pull survivors to safety.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the incident “extremely tragic and heart-rending.” He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to expedite rescue and relief operations, while ensuring proper medical care for the injured.
The administration has stated that search operations will continue until all missing persons are accounted for. The incident has created an atmosphere of grief and anxiety in the area, with anxious relatives gathered at the site awaiting updates on their loved ones.