In a major tragedy, a private launch with 60 passengers on board capsized in the river Godavari at Kajuluru village of Devipatnam mandal in East Godavai district on Sunday. Official sources said, over 60 passengers boarded a Rayal Vashista private launch. After visiting a temple at Kajuluru village, the launch started sailing towards Papikondalu. Suddenly the launch capsized in the river. According to information received so far, only 14 of the passengers wore life jackets and 10 of them rescued by fishermen.
Sources said that the river Godavari is in spate and five lakh cusecs of flood water was flowing in the river. As the incident took place at a remote agency area, the exact information is yet to be received by officials.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Avanthi Srinivas told media that he had received information about the incident and spoken with the East Godavari District Collector and Superintendent of Police. He said that Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy enquired about the incident and alerted the officials concerned in both East and West Godavari districts. Ministers- Mr Srinivas and Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose rushed to the place. The sources said an ONGC helicopter was sent to the place for carrying out rescue operations.
State Disaster Management Department Commissioner said in a statement that sixty passengers were sailing in the ill-fated launch and 10 of them rescued. He said that two NDRF teams and equal number of SDRF teams were sent to the place. (UNI)
