At least ten people lost their lives when a boat carrying pilgrims overturned in the Yamuna River near Keshighat in Vrindavan, Mathura district, on Friday afternoon. Authorities fear that several passengers are still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.

Officials said the vessel, believed to be carrying around 25 to 30 people, capsized close to a pontoon bridge. Preliminary accounts suggest the boat may have struck the floating structure before overturning, triggering chaos among those on board.

Emergency teams responded swiftly. Personnel from the local police, fire department, and disaster response units, along with divers and local boat operators, launched immediate rescue operations. More than 14 passengers have been pulled to safety so far. Reinforcements from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to intensify the search.

Mathura District Magistrate Chandraprakash Singh described the incident as deeply unfortunate, noting that the group had reportedly travelled from Punjab and was visiting the river when the mishap occurred.

Deputy Inspector General Shailesh Kumar Pandey stated that the accident took place around 3:15 pm near the pontoon bridge. Based on early findings and eyewitness statements, the collision with the bridge appears to have led to the boat overturning. Ten bodies have been recovered, and authorities suspect that up to a dozen people may still be missing.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and directed officials to accelerate rescue and relief work. He has also instructed authorities to ensure prompt medical care for the injured and to provide compensation to the families of the deceased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences, expressing anguish over the tragedy and extending sympathies to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured, stating that the local administration is providing necessary assistance.

Search operations remain ongoing as teams continue to scour the river for missing passengers.