Boat capsizes in Ganga, villagers save 12 from drowning

PATNA: A sand-laden boat capsized in the Ganga in Patna district today with villagers saving all 12 on board from drowning.

Danapur Sub-divisional Officer Arvind Kumar Verma said the incident happened near Bramhachari Tola under Maner police station in the district.

The engine-fitted boat was going from Maner to Pahleja Ghat in Sonepur in Saran district across the river when the accident took place.

"The water level is high in the Ganga due to the rainy season. It seems the boat loaded with sand lost its balance due to waves and sank. Villagers living along the banks rescued all the 12 persons who had fallen into the swirling waters," Verma said.

The SDO said all the saved persons are natives of Saran district and were going on the boat to their villages.

The district administration is now trying to take out the boat which is still under water. Investigations are being conducted whether the mishap occurred due to overloading of sand.