At least four people were killed and 20 others went missing after a tourist boat capsized in the Tarbela Dam area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan on Thursday. The incident occurred when the boat, carrying approximately 35 tourists, overturned due to strong winds and overloading, according to local authorities.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams, including the Pakistan Navy and local divers, have been deployed to the site. So far, 11 people have been rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. District administration officials confirmed that the boat was not authorized to carry such a large number of passengers. The deputy commissioner of Haripur district, Mohammad Asif, stated that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported that the boat was overcrowded and the weather conditions were unfavorable. One survivor, speaking to local media, said, "The boat started sinking suddenly. People were screaming for help. It was a terrifying experience." Another eyewitness mentioned that many of the passengers were not wearing life jackets.
Government Response
Pakistan's Prime Minister expressed grief over the incident and directed authorities to expedite rescue efforts. The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and injured. A statement from the Prime Minister's office read, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the affected families."
Safety Concerns
This incident has raised serious questions about safety regulations for tourist boats in the region. Local residents have complained that safety measures are often ignored, leading to such accidents. According to officials, the boat operator has been taken into custody for questioning. The Tarbela Dam area is a popular tourist spot, and similar incidents have occurred in the past due to lax enforcement of safety rules.
