Tragic Boat Accident in Mathura Claims Lives of 11 Pilgrims

Devastating Incident in Vrindavan

In a heartbreaking incident in Vrindavan, Mathura, a boat capsized, resulting in the deaths of 11 pilgrims. Rescue operations have successfully saved 22 individuals, while 4 remain unaccounted for. The search efforts continued into the second day, involving a team of 250 personnel, including army members.

One body was recovered near Devarha Baba Ghat, leading to an emotional scene as a father wept upon seeing his son's lifeless form, comforted by family members. When questioned about the ongoing search for the missing individuals, a rescue official explained that the swift current of the Yamuna River could carry people far away, and bodies might be buried under mud and sand, potentially surfacing after 24 hours.

The tragic event occurred around 3 PM on Friday at Kesi Ghat, where a boat carrying 37 pilgrims capsized approximately 2 kilometers from the Banke Bihari Temple. Among the deceased are seven members of a single family, including a mother and son, as well as an uncle, aunt, and other relatives.

The accident site features water depths of 25 feet. Initial investigations revealed that the boat was designed to hold 40 passengers, yet none were provided with life jackets by the boatman. Bystanders repairing a pontoon bridge and other boatmen managed to rescue some individuals before official rescue teams arrived.

The police apprehended the boatman, Pappu Nishad, six hours after the incident, around 9 PM on Friday. The boat was his own, and he had boarded the pilgrims at Jugal Ghat before fleeing the scene. Additionally, two videos related to the incident have surfaced: one recorded 15 minutes before the boat sank, showing passengers chanting 'Radhe-Radhe,' and the other capturing the moment the pilgrims fell into the river.