Brahmaputra boat capsize: Rescue operations underway at North Guwahati in search of missing victims

Search operations are still underway in full swing for missing persons following the tragic boat capsize in Aswaklanta Ghat on Wednesday. At least 150 personnel of the Indian Army, NDRF,

Search operations are still underway in full swing for missing persons following the tragic boat capsize in Aswaklanta Ghat on Wednesday.

At least 150 personnel of the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF and Inland Water Transport department resumed their operations today in the Brahmaputra river.

Earlier, on Wednesday 20 passengers on board the ill fated boat had swam to safety.

Meanwhile, identity of two missing persons have been recovered. The missing persons have been identified as Rahul Ali and Kamal Rajak.

A chopper of the Indian Air Force has also been put to work in the rescue operations this morning. Divers from the army are also in action in search for the missing bodies.

The tragic incident took place after the engine of a passenger boat malfunctioned before finally crashing into under-construction pillars of a Water Supply Plant.

Many are feared dead, with bodies of three missing persons already been recovered so far.

The three deceased have been identified as Ankita Barua hailing from North Guwahati, Dimpy Bora and Kamal Das. Ankita was a student of the Cotton University in Guwahati.

6 of the rescued 16 people have been identified as Rajesh Saha, Piyushi Saha, Rinki Saha of Lumding, Minakshi Das, Nur Uddin of Rajaduwar and Jitumoni Das.

However, sources from the Assam Fire & Emergency Service are claiming that only 2 persons are said to be missing at the moment instead of the suspected 17.

Out of the total people travelling on the ill-fated boat, 19 were rescued while three lost their lives. The remaining, meanwhile, swam across to safety.

Meanwhile, the tragic incident of boat capsize on the Brahmaputra river at North Guwahati has also evoked reactions from President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who took to Twitter to express their concerns.

Sorry to hear of the boat accident on the Brahmaputra, near Guwahati. Thoughts with those affected as well as their families. I understand rescue operations are on and the local administration is doing its utmost #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 5, 2018

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the capsizing of a boat near Guwahati in Assam. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. The State Government is working actively on the rescue operations and ensuring all possible support on the ground.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2018

Both the President and the Prime Minister assured all form of help to the rescue mission that is currently underway at North Guwahati.

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