Asia-Pacific

17 remain missing in Indian boat capsizal

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-04 17:52
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NEW DELHI: One day after a boat carrying a group of picnickers capsized in the Rupnarayan river in West Bengal, east India, 17 people including eight children remain missing Monday, reported Indo-Asian News Service.

Twenty picnickers were either rescued by locals or swam ashore after the boat capsized Sunday.

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West Bengal's East Midnapore district magistrate Choten Lama was quoted as saying that search operation continued with the help of the Haldia Coast Guard, Border Security Force (BSF) and Kolkata Police's disaster management teams.

The picnickers from Ultadanga in north Kolkata were having a joyride on the boat when it capsized.

Eyewitnesses said rescue work was hampered Sunday in the absence of divers as the state river traffic policemen could not contact those on their payroll.

Local residents alleged that no steps were taken to help the victims after the over-laden boat capsized in the river.
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