12 feared drowned in boat mishap in Bihar

Ara, Jul 10: At least 12 people were feared drowned when a boat carrying them capsized mid-stream in Chamarpur Bhangar river under Shahpur block in Bhojpur district today.

Police said the incident took place when the ill-fated boat, ferrying 30 people from nearby villages to Shahpur, capsized mid-stream owing to strong current in the river.

At least 12 people were feared drowned in the incident while 18 swam ashore, police added.

''Divers have been pressed into service to rescue the people swept away by the strong current of the river,'' police said, adding two bodies had been recovered so far.

District Magistrate Safina A N and a host of senior civil and police officers had reached the spot to monitor the rescue and relief operations.

UNI