Vadodara, Feb 3 || More than eight passengers were rescued after a boat carrying daily commuters capsized in the Mahisagar river near Padra in Vadodara district pf Gujarat on Tuesday morning, narrowly averting a major tragedy, officials said.
The passengers had boarded a small private boat from the Padra side and were travelling towards Gambhira when the incident occurred midstream.
Preliminary information suggests that the boat lost balance, possibly due to a strong current, causing it to overturn and throw all those on board into the river.
Panic ensued as the passengers struggled in the water and shouted for help. Local boatmen, swimmers and residents present nearby immediately rushed to the spot and initiated a rescue operation. Their prompt action ensured that all passengers were pulled out of the river safely.
“The boat suddenly tilted and overturned. Everyone fell into the water at once. We jumped in immediately and managed to rescue them,” said a local eyewitness who took part in the operation.
Police officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident, although the exact number of passengers on board is still being verified.