New Delhi, Sep 15 (UNI) Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu and BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in tourist boat capsize in the Godavari River near the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
'Heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,' Mr Naidu said in his tweet.
Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives in tourist boat capsize in the Godavari River near Kacchuluru village in Devipatnam Mandal of the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh today, he said.
Prime Minister Naendra Modi also expressed anguish, saying 'Extremely pained by the capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Rescue operations are currently underway at the site of the tragedy.'
Expressing his pain, Mr Shah said the loss of lives in the tragedy was very unfortunate. 'My thoughts are with families of those who have lost their loved ones. May god give the bereaved families strength to withstand this tragic loss,' he said in his tweet.
A private launch with 62 people on board, including ten member crew on its way to Papikondalu from Gandipochamma temple in Devipatnam Mandal on East Godavari side capsized in river Godavari which is in spate between Manturu and Kachhuluru, 90 kms from Kakinada around 1400 hrs.
According to preliminary reports reaching the district police headquarters here, more than 35 passengers mostly women and children were feared drowned while 14 people with life jackets swam ashore safely. Ten passengers with life jackets while being washed away were rescued by the villagers of Tootugunta using the motor boats.
Police sources said that two bodies were retrieved and a massive search is on for the missing passengers by engaging the expert local swimmers.
UNI RSA SHK1850