Boat capsizes in Godavari river, at least 40 feared drowned

According to reports, at least 40 people are feared drowned after a boat carrying around 50 passengers capsized in Godavari river following a strong wind on Tuesday evening in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Reportedly, 10 passengers, including two women, swam to the river bank. They reportedly told locals, who were involved in rescue operations, that a 20-member marriage party, was among the passengers.

The boat, which departed from Kondamodalu tribal hamlet on the banks of the river to Rajahmundry, overturned near Mantoor village of Devipatnam block, say reports. Local tribals immediately swung into action, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the district authorities joined the rescue operations.

Reports suggest that most of the passengers in the boat were tribals. Police said that the boat owner, Mohammad Khaja of Lakshmi Venkateshwara Boat Service surrendered.