Boat with 250 passengers capsizes in Assam, 35 drown

At least 35 people were drowned and many more were missing when a countryboat carrying 250 people capsized in the Brahmaputra river in Assam's Dhubri district on Monday evening.

Deputy Commissioner Kumud Chandra Kalita said the boat was crossing the river from the Dhubrighat when it overturned.

He said the boat was carrying nearly 250 people. While 35 people drowned, 25 passengers swam to safety.

Senior district officials rushed to the spot and rescue operations have been launched.

President Pratibha Patil expressed grief over the loss of life in the boat tragedy. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured the state government of all help for relief and fund for families of the deceased.

The prime minister spoke to Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi to convey his condolences and assured the state government of all possible assistance in relief operations and also for assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the families of the deceased," said a statement issued by the PMO.