16 people missing after boat mishap in West Bengal

Kolkata, Jan 4 (ANI): The rescue operation is on to trace the 16 people, who went missing, after their boat capsized in the river Rupnarayan in West Bengal on Sunday.

Around 29 people belonging to Kolkata were on a joy ride in river Rupnarayan in Kolaghat in east Midnapore district, but after going to a certain distance, the oarsman could not take the boat further and it capsized.

Some people were able to swim ashore, but sixteen are still missing.

"We got into the boat and after going a certain distance the oarsman told us said he cannot row any further. One of the passengers asked him to somehow manage it to take it to the shores and suddenly the boat turned. We had children with us and we got so scared that we did not know what to do," said Amar Roy, one of the rescued.

"We were about 16 youngsters aged about 16-17 and rest were all about the age 4-7. Three children have been found and we are still looking for seven children and nine youngsters," he added.

Divers have been pressed into action to search the missing people. (ANI)