Boat Capsized on the Ganges, 35 Feared Dead

A crowded vessel carrying 70 people to a temple for a religious function capsized and 35 are feared drowned. Passengers on the boat, which was meant to carry about 30 passengers, were mostly women and children from Ujveria village in Uttar Pradesh state, who were going to visit a temple across the river.

Reports are that 25 people were able to swim to safety but rescuers have already recovered 12 bodies and more are sure to come.

The incident took place in Ballia, 250 miles southeast of Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh. Boat tragedies are common in the impoverished state. Vessels used to ferry passengers are generally rickety and overcrowded, and people seldom use life jackets.