10 pilgrims from Punjab dead, several missing after boat capsizes in Mathura's Vrindavan

A boat carrying pilgrims capsized in Vrindavan's Yamuna on Friday afternoon, leaving 10 persons dead and several others missing.

The accident occurred near Kesi Ghat when the boat carrying pilgrims moved into deeper waters and hit a floating pontoon.

A group of 32 persons, including children, had set out on a Yamuna trip in a private steamer. They were part of a larger group of 150 pilgrims from Ludhiana and Muktsar in Punjab. The deceased include six men and four women.

Authorities noted that a pontoon bridge had recently been dismantled in the area due to rising water levels, leaving some pontoon drums in the river, one of which the boat is believed to have collided with.

District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh reported six fatalities earlier, and later rescuers recovered four more bodies, taking the toll to 10, district administration officials confirmed.

"Sixteen to 17 people have been rescued safely so far. Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing," the DM said earlier, adding that all tourists onboard were from Punjab.

A local diver, identified as Gulab, said about 15 people have been pulled out so far, according to officials.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured to provide all possible assistance to the victims.

"Spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi ji regarding the Mathura boat accident. All possible assistance will be provided to the victims,” the CM's post read.