64 missing in boat capsize: Andhra Pradesh CM

Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Jan 19: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy said 64 persons from 34 families were missing in yesterday's boat capsize.

Speaking to newspersons here today, Dr Reddy said personnel from Army, Navy and all state government departments had been pressed into service to retrieve the bodies.

About 50 swimmers and divers from the Navy had reached the spot to aid rescue operations.

Dr Reddy, who visited the spot along with officials, consoled the family members of the victims.

The victims were proceeding to Machalakatta from Maravakonda on the banks of River Krishna, a distance of 1.5 km, to attend a festival at Laxminarasimha Swamy temple at Singtom.

The overcrowded country boat carrying about 75 pilgrims capsized in the river.

The victims belonged to Nandikotur, Pagidyala and Jupadu Mandals of the district. Locals rescued 15 people and rushed them to the hospital in Kallapur. Ten people were admitted to the hospital while those with minor injuries were given first aid and discharged.

UNI