A boat carrying 14 villagers capsized midstream in the Ganga River at Umanath Ganga Ghat in the Barh subdivision of Patna district on Thursday morning, 29 May 2025, killing at least three people and leaving four others missing. The victims were travelling to the Diara region to harvest vegetables from fields on the opposite bank when the boat reportedly lost balance and overturned due to strong winds.

How the Accident Unfolded

According to officials, the small boat was ferrying the villagers across the Ganga early in the morning — a routine crossing made by farming communities in the Diara belt, where agricultural fields lie on riverine islands accessible only by water. Midstream, the vessel reportedly capsized after strong winds caused it to lose balance. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ram Krishna said preliminary findings suggest that both overloading and strong winds may have contributed to the capsize, though he added that the exact cause would be confirmed only after a detailed investigation.

Rescue Operations Under Way

Local fishermen and boatmen at the ghat immediately jumped into the river upon witnessing the incident, launching an initial rescue effort. With support from nearby residents, seven people were pulled to safety and brought ashore. However, the bodies of three individuals were subsequently recovered from the river, and their deaths have been confirmed by the administration. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination to the Barh subdivisional hospital.

A large-scale search operation is now under way, led by teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) along with local divers. Officials fear that strong river currents may have swept the four missing persons downstream, prompting rescuers to widen the search area considerably.

Senior Officials at the Scene

Garima Lohia, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Barh, and SDPO Ram Krishna were personally supervising rescue and relief operations at the ghat. Senior administrative officials rushed to the site shortly after receiving information about the incident. As news spread, hundreds of anxious residents and relatives gathered along the riverbank.

Identification and Legal Formalities

Police and administrative teams have begun the process of identifying the deceased and completing the required legal formalities. Survivors have been provided medical assistance and first aid. The administration has not yet officially released the names of the deceased, pending identification and family notification.

A Recurring Hazard in Diara Belt

The Barh-Diara stretch of the Ganga is known for its strong seasonal currents and is regularly used by farming communities who cultivate vegetables on the riverine islands. Boat accidents during early-morning crossings — often in overloaded, small vessels — have been reported in this region in previous years as well. This incident underscores the persistent safety gap in river transport for agricultural communities in Bihar's flood-prone districts. The search operation is expected to continue through the day.