Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday expressed deep sorrow over a tragic boat capsize in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, which claimed at least 10 lives, most of them pilgrims from Punjab.
Reacting to the incident on X, Mann said, “Today, a boat carrying residents of Jagraon city for darshan in Vrindavan capsized in the Yamuna River near Mathura while carrying 32 people. It is with great sorrow that I must inform you that some devotees have died by drowning. I am in contact with the Uttar Pradesh government. Remaining details will be shared later”.
“I spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi regarding the Mathura boat accident. Every possible assistance will be provided to the victims,” he added.
The accident occurred near Keshighat in Vrindavan when an overcrowded boat carrying around 25–30 pilgrims overturned close to a pontoon bridge on the Yamuna River.
Panic reportedly broke out after the vessel collided with the structure, leading to it to capsize.
District authorities confirmed that at least 10 bodies have been recovered so far, while more than 14 passengers have been rescued. However, several people are still feared missing, and search operations are ongoing.
Mathura District Magistrate Chandraprakash Singh described the incident as “very unfortunate,” noting that the victims were visiting the river during their pilgrimage.
DIG Shailesh Kumar Pandey said the accident took place around 3:15 pm and preliminary accounts suggest the boat struck the pontoon bridge.
Rescue efforts involving local police, fire services, divers, and boatmen are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force joining operations.
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Published On:
Apr 10, 2026 20:06 IST
