Assam: Boat sinks in Brahmaputra river after colliding with ferry; several feared dead; govt orders probe

Guwahati: Assam government has ordered a state level inquiry into the boat capsize incident where more than 120 people were feared drowned.

According to sources, three people have died and at least 40 people have been rescued after a machine boat capsized in the Brahmaputra river following a collision with a ferry near Nimati Ghat in Jorhat district of Assam on Wednesday.

According to Damodar Barman, Additional District Commissioner, Jorhat rescue operations are going on and efforts are on to turn the boat which capsized.

Local media reports said that three dead bodies have been recovered. However, the district administration has said that no fatalities have been recorded so far.

Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has issued an emergency toll free number for information regarding the missing person in Nimatighat boat mishap. The numbers are 1070/1079 (State Emergency Operation Centre), 1077 (District Emergency Operation Centre).

The incident occurred when private boat 'Ma Kamala', headed to Majuli from Nimati Ghat, collided with the government-owned ferry 'Tripkai' which was coming from Majuli.

The capsized boat was also carrying several four-wheelers and two-wheelers that went down the river.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "all possible efforts are being made to rescue the passengers."

Saddened by the boat accident in Assam. All possible efforts are being made to rescue the passengers. I pray for everyone's safety and well-being.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concern over the incident and said he will visit Nimati Ghat on Thursday.

“I am pained at the tragic boat accident near Nimati Ghat, Jorhat. Directed Majuli & Jorhat admin to undertake rescue mission expeditiously with help of @NDRFHQ & SDRF. Advising Min @BimalBorahbjp to immediately rush to the accident site. I'll also visit Nimati Ghat tomorrow,” he tweeted.

Union Minister of Shipping, Ports and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal talked to Sarma and took stock of the ongoing rescue and relief operations. Sonowal was MLA from Majuli constituency. (UNI)