Situation turns crucial after a boat capsized in Brahmaputra River; 3 dead, several missing

Guwahati, September 6: Situation turned severe when a boat in the Brahmaputra river capsized carrying 50 passengers 3 people were killed and at least 11 were missing after a bhut-bhuti - a country-made boat fitted with an engine. The rescue team has saved 20 people until now and the rescue mission is underway.

Army, NDRF and SDRF teams were deployed to begin the search operation in the Brahmaputra River. Specialized divers from the navy joined in the rescue operation. The boat was moving to North Guwahati from Guwahati when it collided with a pole following the technical snag and overturned.

Two bodies, including that of a girl, were found and at least 16 people have been rescued so far while 27 others are missing. However, due to inclement weather rescue teams were facing difficulty.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the capsizing of a boat near Guwahati in Assam. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. The State Government is working actively on the rescue operations and ensuring all possible support on the ground."

 

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Additional Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah has been directed to investigate into the reasons responsible for the boat capsize and the factors triggering the mishap and submit a report at the earliest.

 

The Deputy Commissioner supervising the rescue operations at the site informed that only 22 passengers had valid tickets and the boat was overcrowded, with 18 motorcycles on it. Meanwhile, the government has banned mechanized boats between north Guwahati and Guwahati on the Brahmaputra. Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said that the order will remain effective for the entire monsoon.

Mechanised boats carry thousands of passengers across the Brahmaputra. The river is in spate due to monsoon rains in the upper reaches of Arunachal Pradesh.