4 feared drowned in UP after boat capsizes in Ganga

ALLAHABAD: Four people are feared to have been drowned after a boat capsized in the Ganga river in Meja sub-division of this district on Saturday evening, officials said.

The incident occurred around 7pm near the Tela ghat when the boat was going from Handia to Meja, Circle Officer, Meja, Umesh Sharma said.

There were 16 people on the boat, of which 12 swam to safety while four, all men, are feared drown, he said.

The officer said of those missing, three were residents of Meja and one of Handia.

Search and rescue operations have begun and divers pressed into service. However, darkness is proving to be a hindrance, he said.

Apart from the 16 individuals, the boat was also carrying six to seven motorcycles and four to five cycles, the official said.