Boat operator charged after Indian tourist boat capsize kills 21
A criminal case has been filed against the operator of a new Indian river ferry service which capsized on the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh and killed at least 21.
The vessel was carrying about 45 tourists and was on its first trip on the river when it went down after hitting a sand bar just moments before reaching its destination.
The owner of operator River Boating and Adventures could face negligent death charges.
"The operator was not given permission to operate a passenger boat. A criminal case has been registered against the owner,” tourism minister Akhila Priya Reddy said.
The boat driver had no experience of operating on the river, officials said.
The tourists were due to take an official tourism department boat across the river but missed the departure before opting for the private service.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said 21 people were rescued and most of these have been discharged from hospital.
Most of the victims were from Ongole town and members of the Ongole Walkers’ Club on an outing to see the ‘Maha haarathi’ holy ritual at Pavitra Sangamam, which is at the confluence of the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
The deceased also include three relatives of Communist Party of India (CPI) national secretary K Narayana.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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