— Photo: Ranjeet Kumar

WORD OF SOLACE: Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and his wife, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, console the kin of victims of the boat tragedy at Damrahi Ghat in Patna on Thursday.

PATNA: Thirty-six people were feared drowned when an overcrowded boat capsized in the Ganga between Damrahi Ghat here and Jhaphrabad village in Vaishali district of Bihar on Thursday.

The survivors said the river was in spate and swift currents caused the boat capsize. The boat, with over 50 people and two buffaloes on board, was on its way from Damrahi Ghat to Jhaphrabad under Raghopur block, officials said.

At least 17 people swam to safety, but many women and children are missing. No bodies have been recovered yet, the officials said.

Locals, however, put the death toll at over 45. They said there were about 15 children and as many women on the boat.

One of the survivors, Golu Das, said the currents were so powerful that water crashed into the boat. The crew bailed the water out twice but the third attempt was in vain.

About half a dozen persons swam back to the ghat, which falls under the Malsalami police station in Patna, and the rest reached the shore along Vaishali district on the other side of the river.

Officials said rescue operations would continue.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited the ghat and promised a compensation of Rs. 1 lakh to each of the bereaved families. He said Indira Houses would be allocated to those below the poverty line. Mr. Kumar said 30 to 32 people were feared drowned. He said the injured would be treated at Government cost.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad reached the spot with his wife and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Rabri Devi.

Mr. Prasad announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 50,000 from his party fund and demanded that the Government regulate the ferry services..

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