The recent boat capsizing incident near Keshi Ghat in Vrindavan, Mathura, has claimed the lives of at least ten individuals. The tragedy unfolded on Friday, prompting swift action from local authorities and rescue teams. By Saturday morning, recovery operations were still ongoing, as officials worked to assist survivors and locate additional missing persons.

According to reports, the vessel was carrying between twenty-five to twenty-seven passengers when it collided with a pontoon bridge on the Yamuna River. Initial rescue efforts have revealed that while ten bodies, comprising five men and five women, have been recovered, further searches are being conducted for five additional individuals who remain unaccounted for.

Mathura’s DIG, Shailesh Kumar Pandey, confirmed the retrieval of the capsized boat following a prolonged four-hour operation. He stated that the post-mortem of the deceased is nearly complete, allowing for the return of their bodies to their families. Updates indicate that the recovery teams are utilising both the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to facilitate ongoing rescue operations.

Government Response and Support Measures

In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of each deceased individual, alongside Rs 50,000 for the injured. The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will be the source of this financial support, reflecting the government’s concern for those affected by the tragedy.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary has termed the occurrence as unfortunate. He noted that the boat capsized due to adverse weather conditions, which led to pilgrims, primarily from Haryana and Punjab, being affected. Reports cite that at least twenty-one individuals were rescued safely and are currently receiving complimentary medical treatment in local hospitals.

Local government officials have been mobilised to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to survivors and victims’ families. Agra Divisional Commissioner Nagendra Pratap indicated that cooperation among various agencies is critical to the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The situation remains fluid as rescue teams continue their operations amid the challenging conditions on the river.

Reactions from Victims’ Families and Community Support

Families of the victims have spoken out regarding the emotional toll of this tragic event. Many had travelled to Mathura and Vrindavan, expressing happiness prior to the disaster. Phone conversations captured moments of joy before the sudden panic arose following the boat’s capsizing.

Statements from relatives revealed a sense of disbelief and sorrow. One family member recounted a conversation where their loved ones shared their anticipation for the pilgrimage, only to receive news later about the incident. Another victim’s relative described how they had seen a video shared by their family members earlier that day, filled with excitement about their trip.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Atam Nagar in Ludhiana, Kulwant Sidhu, visited the grieving families, offering his condolences and expressing hope for those missing. His presence has been part of a broader community effort to support each other during this distressing time. This incident has profoundly affected the local community, uniting them in grief and solidarity.

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