The death toll has climbed to 11 in the tragic Yamuna boat capsize incident in Mathura, with another body recovered during the ongoing search and rescue operation on Saturday. Four individuals are still missing following the incident that occurred around 3:00 pm on Friday near a pontoon bridge between Vrindavan and Mant, where a boat carrying tourists capsized in the Yamuna river.
SP Suresh Chand Rawat confirmed the recovery of another body, identified as Manik Tandon from Ludhiana, nearly 800 meters from the accident site, bringing the total number of fatalities to 11. The health department’s Rapid Response Team in-charge, Bhudev Prasad, mentioned that the body was found close to Devraha Baba Ghat, approximately one kilometer away from where the boat capsized. Additional District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Verma stated that search operations are concentrated within a 14-kilometer radius but acknowledged the possibility of some victims being swept downstream.
Rescue operations have successfully saved 22 individuals, with continuous efforts involving multiple teams including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), PAC, Army’s Strike One Corps, and private divers. The boat implicated in the incident has been recovered, and no bodies were found trapped beneath it. The injured individuals are reportedly in stable condition.
The boat operator, known as Pappu, was apprehended for negligence as he allegedly did not provide life jackets to passengers and continued to maneuver the boat at high speeds despite warnings. The authorities revealed that the boat likely collided with a floating pontoon structure, possibly a remnant from a recently dismantled pontoon bridge in the area. While local witnesses claimed strong winds caused the boat to overturn after colliding, authorities are investigating the exact cause.
The ill-fated boat was carrying more than two dozen tourists, primarily from Punjab, who were part of a larger group of approximately 150 pilgrims from Ludhiana and Muktsar visiting Vrindavan. Post-mortem examinations are nearing completion, and steps are being taken to repatriate the bodies to their respective hometowns. An inquiry committee will be established following the completion of the rescue operation.
Mathura MP Hema Malini expressed sorrow over the tragedy, extending sympathies to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery to the injured individuals.