Several feared dead after boat carrying 14 overturns in Ganga near Patna; 2 bodies recovered

PATNA: At least two people died and five others are feared missing after a boat carrying around 14 people capsized in the Ganga river near Umanath Ganga Ghat in Barh subdivision of Patna district on Thursday.According to eyewitnesses, strong winds are suspected to have overturned the boat midstream. Locals and nearby boatmen rushed to the spot and managed to rescue several passengers before authorities arrived.“There were approximately 14 to 15 people on the boat. Around seven people are feared drowned. Others were rescued using another boat. So far, it has not been confirmed how many people have drowned,” an eyewitness said to news agency PTI.Barh SDPO Ramakrishna said police received information about the incident shortly after the boat overturned. “A small boat overturned due to strong winds. Fourteen people were on board. Seven people are reported safe, while two bodies have been recovered. Another five people are missing,” he said.The officer added that SDRF teams were being rushed to the spot and a search-and-rescue operation would begin immediately to trace the missing passengers.(With PTI inputs)