Dozens feared drowned after riverboat capsizes in India
Dozens of people are feared drowned after an overcrowded riverboat carrying about 200 people capsized in India’s northeastern state of Assam.
Local Indian police officials said the motorized boat sank on the Kolohi River near Assam state capital Gauhati on Monday.
Sources say the boat sank after its engine failed to function in the middle of the river and hit against the post of a bridge on the river.
Due to recent monsoon rains, Kolohi river is swollen and is flowing faster than usual.
Most passengers reportedly swam to safety or were rescued by local residents.
The rescue operation by local rescuers and Indian security forces was hampered by nightfall and would be resumed on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, regional police officer Lankeshwar Sarma said, "Many swam to safety or were rescued, but between 20 to 30 people are still missing hours after the accident."
Some survivors said there were approximately two dozen people below deck when the boat overturned.
Accidents are common on rivers across India where boats are often overloaded and lax safety standards. In 2012, 108 people died after a ferry capsized during a storm in Assam.
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