At least eight people died after a ferry boat carrying 26 capsized in Kali river near Karwar in Karnataka on Monday.
The Navy said 17 people were rescued by fishermen and other people in the area. The rescue personnel are still searching for one person. A Dornier aircraft has been dispatched from Goa to help with the rescue operations, the Navy added. Two Chetak helicopters of the Navy have also been dispatched from Goa, reports said.
The people had reportedly visited a temple located at a remote island in Karwar district, according to NDTV. The boat capsized while on their way back. Rupali Nayak, the legislator from the district, was on another boat. She said that she and members of her team immediately rushed to help the people and pulled two out of the water after it capsized.
The accident likely took place after the driver lost control of the boat, Superintendent of Police (Karwar) Vinay Patil told News18.
Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy condoled the death of the pilgrims. “I am shocked to learn about the boat accident near SagaraDarshana in Uttara Kannada,” the chief minister said on Twitter.
State Revenue and Skill Development Minister RV Deshpande said he was looking into the accident. “Rest are being treated in a nearby hospital. Immediate relief measures are being taken by district administration,” he added.
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