7 People Drown After Boat Capsizes in Bihar's Barh
A tragic boat capsizing incident near Umanath Ganga Ghat in Barh, Bihar left seven people dead as authorities continue search efforts for the remaining missing individuals.
Highlights
- •- 7 people drowned after a boat carrying mostly women overturned midstream
- •- Two bodies recovered, five still unaccounted for by local authorities
- •- Incident has raised concerns over safety and enforcement of unregistered boats
- •- Local District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police at the scene to oversee rescue operations
Seven people tragically lost their lives when a boat capsized near the Umanath Ganga Ghat in Barh, Bihar on Thursday morning. Of the 14 passengers, seven were rescued while seven drowned and two bodies have been recovered so far.
Boat Accident Details
A boat carrying mostly women en route to fetch vegetables from Diyara overturned midstream at around 5:00 AM. Two eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing incident, stating that several individuals managed to escape while others perished in the swift current of the Ganga River.
Rescue Efforts and Official Response
Rural Superintendent of Police Kundan Kumar and District Magistrate Thiyagarajan reached Barh to oversee rescue operations. Talking to reporters, Thiyagarajan confirmed that two bodies have been recovered, with five still missing as search efforts continue.
While the incident unfolded, several women were among those on board, some of whom were rescued in an unconscious state. One eyewitness highlighted how her daughter managed to save her life, while another remains missing as families anxiously await news of their loved ones.
The victims are residents of Malahi Tola and regularly cross the river for vegetable trade activities. Rescuers continue their efforts amid urgent calls to address the ongoing search operations.
Background Context
This incident, coupled with historical reports, brings attention to the recurring challenges faced by local authorities in ensuring maritime safety. With unregistered boats often operating within designated river routes, there is growing concern over the lax monitoring and potential enforcement actions required to prevent such accidents from occurring again.
Local officials are currently reviewing the issue of unregistered vessels and have indicated that violations will be severely addressed moving forward to mitigate risks for future travelers on these vital waterways.
