At least six people went missing after a boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Hamirpur on Wednesday evening, prompting a large-scale rescue operation by local authorities and disaster response teams.
According to police officials, the incident occurred when a small passenger boat carrying several people overturned midstream while crossing the river near a village in Hamirpur district. Initial reports suggest that strong currents and overcrowding may have contributed to the accident.
Several passengers managed to swim to safety or were rescued by local residents and emergency teams soon after the mishap. However, six individuals remained untraceable till late evening, officials said. Search operations involving police personnel, divers and members of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were launched immediately after the incident.
A senior district official said rescue teams were scanning the river using boats and floodlights, while local villagers were also assisting in the search efforts along the riverbank. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of all the missing persons.
District administration officials stated that medical teams and ambulances were kept on standby near the accident site. Survivors were reportedly provided preliminary medical assistance and questioned about the sequence of events leading to the capsizing.
Boat accidents are not uncommon in parts of Uttar Pradesh during the summer and monsoon seasons, particularly in areas where small country boats are used regularly for transport across rivers. Officials said an investigation has been initiated to determine whether safety norms were violated and if the boat was carrying passengers beyond its permitted capacity.
The administration has appealed to residents to avoid overcrowding boats and to follow safety instructions while travelling through river routes. Search and rescue operations were continuing at the time of the latest reports.
