Asia-Pacific

Death toll from Indian boat capsizing rises to 55

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-15 14:42

NEW DELHI - The death toll from the boat capsizing in northern Indian on Monday has risen to 55 as rescue workers had pulled out more bodies from the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district, reported the Indo-Asian News Service Tuesday.

Rescue workers were still searching for those missing after a boat packed with about 65 people capsized in the river, said the report quoting police sources.

Those killed were 17 men, 17 women and 21 children. The search operation, which was called off Monday night, resumed Tuesday morning with the assistance of police, said the report.

The victims in the boat were going midstream to perform rituals related to the mundan (tonsure) ceremony of their children.

Only a few managed to swim ashore after the capsizing.