Two found dead, 19 still missing in Koshi boat tragedy

Police have recovered the bodies of two persons who went missing after a boat carrying them capsized in Koshi River in Sunsari district Sunday morning. At least 19 people, mostly children and women, are still missing.

Reports quoted police involved in the rescue operation as saying that the bodies of two women were found some 100 meters away from the place where the boat capsized. However, the identities of the victims couldn't be immediately ascertained.

They said that they have little hopes of finding all the missing persons alive as the fast-flowing river is very cold. They also said foggy weather had hampered their rescue efforts in the morning.

Meanwhile, an army team that has also been engaged in rescue operations since morning has managed to pull out the boat that had drowned in the river.

The boat which was carrying about 40 people had suddenly capsized in Saptakoshi River at Shreepur VDC at around 7 in the morning. Although the details of the tragedy are still sketchy, but it was clear that the accident occurred because the boat was carrying passengers beyond its capacity.

Some 12 people in the boat saved their lives by swimming ashore. A few rescued passengers have been taken to Sunsari District Hospital for treatment

Details to follow. nepalnews.com Jan 04 09