Boat Capsizes in Yamuna River in India’s Mathura, Killing at Least 10 Pilgrims
Overcrowded vessel carrying devotees from Punjab collides with pontoon bridge near Kesi Ghat; rescue operations underway with 22 rescued and several still missing
MATHURA, India — April 10, 2026 — At least 10 people, including six men and four women, died after an overcrowded tourist boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday afternoon, officials said. The vessel, carrying pilgrims primarily from the northern state of Punjab, collided with a pontoon bridge near the revered Kesi Ghat in Vrindavan, triggering a major rescue operation.
The accident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. local time (0945 GMT) when the boat, carrying an estimated 25 to 30 passengers, lost balance after hitting a floating pontoon left behind from a dismantled bridge. The pilgrims were part of a larger group of around 150 devotees from Ludhiana and Muktsar in Punjab who had traveled to Vrindavan for religious observances.
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Rescue Operations Underway
Following the incident, multiple agencies launched a coordinated rescue effort. Mathura’s Superintendent of Police (Rural) confirmed that 22 individuals have been rescued so far and were transported to nearby hospitals for medical care.
“Thus far, twenty-two individuals have been rescued from the water. Those rescued were immediately transported to the hospital via ambulances and eight PRV (Police Response Vehicle) units,”Superintendent of Police told reporters.
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Rescue teams comprising local police, fire services, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are actively searching for remaining missing persons. Approximately 50 local divers have also been deployed to comb the deeper stretches of the river.
Mathura DIG provided details of the ongoing operation: “Teams from the Fire Services and the Police, along with local divers and boatmen, are all actively engaged in relief and rescue operations here. Teams from the NDRF and SDRF have also departed from their respective bases and are expected to arrive at the scene very shortly.”
Cause of the Accident
Authorities have pointed to several contributing factors. Preliminary investigations suggest the boat was overcrowded and may have exceeded its passenger capacity. Officials also noted that a pontoon bridge in the area had recently been dismantled due to rising water levels, leaving some pontoon drums in the river — one of which the boat is believed to have struck.
Superintendent of Police added that the pontoon bridge was in a state of disrepair at the time. “As it was in a state of disrepair, an agency was conducting maintenance work on the pontoons. It is suspected that the accident likely occurred in connection with this ongoing repair work,” he said.
Eyewitnesses reported that strong gusty winds caused the vessel to sway violently, increasing its speed before the collision.
Government Response and Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, offering condolences to the families of the victims.
“Deeply pained by the mishap due to the capsizing of a boat in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected,” Modi said in a post on X.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister described the incident as “extremely tragic and heart-rending” and directed officials to ensure swift rescue and relief operations.
“The loss of lives in the boat capsizing accident in Mathura district is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families. Instructions have been issued to the concerned officials to immediately reach the site, conduct rescue and relief operations, and ensure proper treatment for the injured,” CM said.
Ongoing Search Efforts
As of Friday evening, rescue operations continue with divers searching for additional missing persons. Authorities have not yet released a definitive number of those still unaccounted for, as the exact passenger manifest remains unclear. Officials have also initiated preliminary inquiries to determine lapses in safety protocols, including overloading and adherence to navigation norms.
SOURCES / INPUTS
Anadolu Ajansı: Boat capsizes after hitting bridge in northern India, killing at least 10
The Times of India: Boat carrying devotees capsizes in Mathura; six bodies recovered, rescue ops on
ThePrint: 10 dead, several missing after tourist boat in Mathura capsizes in Yamuna
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