The recent boat tragedy in Mathura has led to a rise in the death toll to eleven, following the recovery of another body during search and rescue efforts on Saturday. Four individuals are still reported missing as the search continues. The incident, which involved a tourist boat capsizing in the Yamuna River, occurred at approximately 3:00 pm on Friday near a pontoon bridge connecting Vrindavan and Mant.

According to Superintendent of Police Suresh Chand Rawat, the body of Manik Tandon, a resident of Ludhiana, was discovered around 800 metres from where the tragedy took place. The necessary post-mortem examination has been completed, and further legal procedures are in progress. Bhudev Prasad, in charge of the Health Department’s Rapid Response Team, indicated that the body was located near Devraha Baba Ghat, roughly one kilometre from the accident site.

Search and Rescue Operations

As part of the ongoing rescue efforts, 22 individuals have been saved thus far, with operations extending for over 20 hours. A multidisciplinary approach is being taken, involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and personnel from the Army’s Strike One Corps, alongside private divers. Eight NDRF teams, five SDRF teams, three PAC units, and six teams of private divers have been mobilised since Friday evening.

Officials have successfully retrieved the boat involved in the incident and reported that no bodies were found trapped underneath. The health status of those injured in the mishap is now considered stable. Additional District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Verma confirmed that search operations remain concentrated within a 14-kilometre radius, with the possibility that some victims may have drifted further downriver.

The circumstances surrounding the accident have prompted a review of boat operations in the area. It has been noted that a pontoon bridge had been dismantled recently due to rising water levels, with only floating pontoon drums remaining in the river. Some locals have suggested that strong winds may have contributed to the boat’s instability prior to the collision.

Arrest of Boat Operator

The operator of the boat, known as Pappu, was apprehended late on Friday night. Authorities have stated that he reportedly failed to provide life jackets to the passengers and continued to operate the vessel at high speed, despite complaints from those aboard. The boat allegedly lost control and collided with a floating pontoon structure, which ultimately led to the capsizing.

The ill-fated boat was carrying over two dozen tourists, primarily from Punjab. They were part of a larger group consisting of approximately 150 pilgrims from Ludhiana and Muktsar who had travelled to Vrindavan for religious observances. The Director General of Police for the Agra range, Shailesh Kumar Pandey, mentioned that the post-mortem examinations are nearing completion, and efforts are underway to transport the deceased individuals back to their hometowns.

Following the rescue operation, an inquiry committee will be established to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy. In response to the incident, Mathura Member of Parliament Hema Malini has expressed her condolences to the families affected and has conveyed her thoughts for the quick recovery of those injured in the event.

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