The death toll in the boat accident in the Godavari river near Andhra Pradesh’s Kachaluru mandal has now risen to 22, even as the search efforts are still underway.
As of 6 pm on Tuesday, the officials had identified 22 bodies: 15 men, six women and a 12-year-old girl. The girl has been identified as Hasini, daughter of Madhulata, another passenger on the boat that capsized.
The rescued individuals were taken to the Government General Hospital in Rajahmundry, where the autopsies of the deceased are also being performed. Of the 18 survivors who were brought to the hospital, many have begun to leave and return home, while others are waiting to hear about their friends and family. Some individuals TNM spoke to also stated that they were looking for ways to transport the bodies of their loved ones back home.
With 21 people rescued and another 22 bodies identified, officials are still searching for the remaining 18 people of the total number of 61 passengers who were on board the boat.
On Sunday afternoon, a boat named Royal Vashista, with 11 crew members and 50 tourists on board, capsized in the Godavari River in East Godavari district. The incident took place near Devipatnam mandal’s Kachaluru. The boat, which was heading towards Pappi Hills, attempted to make a narrow turn when the accident occurred. The area in the vicinity is known to have a lot of steep curves and whirlpools and several boat drivers have been cautioned to be careful when making the turn.
According to Tourism Minister Muthamsetty Srinivasa Rao, the Royal Vashishta did not have the permission from the tourism department, although it had obtained permission from the Kakinada port authorities. In the meantime, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy ordered for the immediate suspension of the license of all boats operating on the Godavari River.