At least 19 people are feared drowned after a fishing boat capsized in the Rupnarayan river in the Indian state of West Bengal. The boat, which was carrying 29 people, sank near the town of Kolaghat on Sunday.
The passengers were picnickers who hired two fishing boats for a ride on the river. At least 10 of the picnickers have already been rescued, but the remainder are feared drowned. Divers and rescue workers have so far failed to recover any bodies. Among the passengers were children as young as ages 4-7. Three children have been found; seven children and nine young adults remain missing.
The Rupnarayan river is said to be known for very high tides. Overloaded boats are not safe in whirlpools or other dangerous conditions on Indian rivers.
As maritime personal injry lawyers, experienced in handling Jones Act and offshore injury claims for over 40 years, we strongly recommend that all workers on fishing boats to wear lifejackets.
If you or someone you know needs legal assistance, call upon lawyers who routinely handle cases for injured seamen and their families. Contact the admiralty legal team of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers. We have handled multi-million dollar cases worldwide for decades.
SMS Legal