Six from Punjab dead after tourist boat capsizes in Vrindavan

At least six tourists from Punjab died after a boat carrying around 30 people capsized in the Yamuna river in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, prompting a large-scale rescue operation, officials said.

The incident occurred near Vrindavan, a major religious destination in Mathura district, where tourists had gathered for a boat ride. According to officials, the boat overturned midstream, leading to multiple passengers falling into the river.

Local authorities confirmed that six bodies have been recovered so far, all of whom were reported to be from Punjab. Several others were rescued from the water, while some passengers were initially reported missing.

Rescue teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police, were deployed to the site soon after the incident. Efforts were launched to search for missing individuals and assist those who had been pulled out of the river.

Officials said that local residents also joined the rescue efforts, helping pull survivors to safety before emergency teams arrived. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Preliminary reports suggest that the boat was carrying more passengers than its capacity at the time of the incident. Authorities are investigating whether overcrowding contributed to the capsizing.

Eyewitnesses said the boat lost balance while in the middle of the river, after which it overturned. However, the exact cause of the accident is yet to be officially confirmed.

The district administration has initiated an inquiry into the incident to determine responsibility and assess compliance with safety norms. Officials are also examining whether proper permissions and safety measures were in place for operating the boat.

Vrindavan, located on the banks of the Yamuna river, attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. Boat rides are a common activity in the area, particularly near religious ghats.

Following the incident, authorities have indicated that safety protocols for boating activities in the region will be reviewed. Measures to prevent overcrowding and ensure the use of safety equipment such as life jackets are expected to be part of the review.