Boat carrying 14 people overturned in Bihar’s Ganga River near Patna. 7 rescued safely while SDRF teams search for 5 missing passengers
Patna: A tragic accident took place in Bihar’s capital on Thursday after a boat carrying 14 people overturns in the Ganga River near Umanath Ganga Ghat in Patna’s Barh area. The accident happened during flood-like conditions in the river. Officials confirmed that 2 people died, while 5 people were still missing till the latest reports.
According to officials, the boat overturned in the morning while crossing the river. The water level of the Ganga has increased because of continuous rainfall in Bihar and nearby areas. Strong river currents and heavy water flow are believed to be the main reasons behind the accident.
People present near the river immediately rushed to help after seeing the boat sink in the middle of the river. Local residents used nearby boats and also entered the water to rescue passengers. So far, 7 people have been rescued safely, while rescue teams recovered 2 bodies from the river.
SDRF Teams Carry Out Search Operation
After the accident, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police and district administration reached the spot and started rescue work. Divers and rescue boats were sent into the river to search for the missing passengers.
Officials said the rescue operation may continue for several more hours because the water current in the river is still very strong due to the flood situation. Rescue teams are continuously searching the area to find the missing people.
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Rising Water Levels Raise Safety Concerns
The accident has again raised questions about boat safety during the monsoon and flood season in Bihar. Reports said the water level in the Ganga River has risen sharply in recent days because of heavy rainfall in upstream areas.
Authorities are checking whether the boat carried extra passengers or ignored safety rules before the journey began. Officials have not confirmed if passengers received life jackets or other safety equipment.
Boat Accidents Common During Monsoon In Bihar
Boat accidents are often reported in Bihar during the monsoon season, especially in areas near rivers. Many people living in villages depend on boats for daily travel, mainly during floods. However, many small boats operate without proper safety arrangements.
The latest accident has reminded people of the 2017 Patna boat tragedy, in which 25 people lost their lives after an overcrowded boat capsized in the Ganga River during the Makar Sankranti festival. Investigations later found that overloading and poor safety measures were major reasons behind the accident.
Earlier in 2025, another boat accident happened in Bihar’s Katihar district where 3 people died and several others went missing after a boat overturned in the Ganga River.
Authorities Warn People To Avoid River Travel
After Thursday’s accident, local authorities advised people to avoid unnecessary travel in the river until weather and water conditions improve. Officials also asked boat operators to follow safety rules strictly and avoid carrying extra passengers during floods and strong river currents.
Meanwhile, family members of the missing passengers gathered near the riverbank as rescue teams continued their search operation hoping to find survivors.
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