Twelve people are feared drowned after a coracle carrying more than 20 people capsized in Tungabadra river on Wednesday afternoon in Hadonahalli, Shivamogga district.
Rescue personnel have recovered one body from the Tungabhadra river, after the coracle capsized when during the immersion of the Ganesha idol on Wednesday. One body has been retrieved from the river while search and rescue operations are underway to find others. The incident happened around 1.30 pm in the afternoon.
The coracle capsized as the currents were very strong. Visuals captured by onlookers on the shore show the coracle capsizing. Immediately many people are seen swimming towards the coracle to rescue those drowning. According to reports many people on the coracle did not know how to swim.
Malikarjuna, a resident of Hadonahalli village told The News Minute, “The tragedy occurred when around 25 people went to immerse a Ganesha idol in a coracle.”
Malikarjuna’s relative Ganesh is among those missing. Local media reported that five of those who were on the coracle swam to safety.
This is a developing story.