Approximately 46 people are feared dead as a boat capsized in Godavari river, Devipatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP,) on the 15th of September.
The incident took place on the 15th of September, when a ferry named Royal Vasistha, carrying 60 daily labourers and workers, capsized. The search and rescue operations started on the 15th of September and continued throughout the night.
The State Disaster Rescue Force (SDRF) resumed the search and rescue operations with 2 helicopters and 8 boats at 5:45 A.M., on the 16th of September.
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (AP,) visited the spot and supervised the search operation himself in Devipatnam.
M. Srinivasa Rao, the Tourism Minister of Andhra Pradesh, said the boat which capsized did not have permission to ply in the river as the State Government suspended boats from plying in the river due to flood alerts. He further added the boat was also without a license to ply in the river from the AP Government.
The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) immediately issued an order and suspended all the boating services in the region.
Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy is also scheduled to address a meeting in Rajahmundry at 11:00 A.M., on the 16th of September.
The search operation to rescue the passengers is still on.
Stay tuned for further updates.
