Rohan Umak
Vrindavan boat tragedy update: The death toll in the boat capsize incident at the Keshi Ghat in UP’s Vrindavan has mounted to 11, after another body was recovered on Saturday, the police said. As per officials, four people are still missing as search and rescue operations are underway in full swing. The latest victim, according to officials, has been identified as Manik Tandon, a resident of Punjab’s Ludhiana. His body was found 800 metres from the accident site and his post-mortem formalities have been completed, officials added.
Incident transpired at 3 pm on Friday
According to police, the incident transpired at around 3 pm on Friday near a pontoon bridge between Vrindavan and Mant. The vessel had been ferrying close to two dozen tourists, mostly pilgrims, from Punjab, when it lost control in the river and capsized. Initially, nine people were reported dead. Officials are suspecting that the vessel struck a floating pontoon drum left behind after a temporary bridge was dismantled due to rising water levels. However, locals said that strong winds may have destabilised the boat before it turned turtle.
Vrindavan boat tragedy update: Rescue operations on for 24 hours
Post-incident, a large-scale rescue operation was launched, which involved teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Army’s Strike One Corps and private divers. Mathura’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Suresh Chand Rawat said that eight NDRF teams, five SDRF units, three PAC contingents and six teams of divers have been deployed. He added that search operations are currently focused within a 14-km radius, although authorities fear some victims may have drifted further downstream.
So far, officials claimed to have rescued 22 persons, and the condition of the injured individuals is reported to be stable.
Boat operator arrested
Police, meanwhile, have arrested the boat operator identified as Pappu for negligence. They said he failed to provide life jackets and continued operating the vessel at high speed despite warnings from passengers. The police added that the boat collided with a floating structure and overturned. According to officials, the ill-fated vessel has been retrieved, and no bodies were found trapped beneath it.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shailesh Kumar Pandey said that post-mortem examinations are nearing completion, and arrangements are being ensured to send the bodies to their hometowns. He further said an inquiry committee will be constituted once the rescue operations come to an end.
Meanwhile, Bollywood actor and Mathura MP, Hema Malini too expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident. She extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured.
