By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Nearly six pilgrims were feared dead on Friday after a steamboat hit a pontoon bridge in the Yamuna River in Vrindavan area of Uttar Pradesh.
Nearly 14 persons have been rescued so far.
The boat was carrying pilgrims, many from Punjab, a senior administrative official said.
The accident occurred near Keshi Ghat, when the boat carrying approximately 25-30 people, mostly pilgrims, rammed into the pontoon bridge following which the ferry started sinking in Yamuna.
A rescue operation with the help of local divers was launched in the area, police officials told the media. However, in the absence of the SDRF team, the rescue operation faced difficulties, official sources said. A team of SDRF has been requisitioned from nearby areas.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the loss of life resulting from the boat capsize accident in the Mathura district is deeply tragic and heart-wrenching.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families. I have issued instructions to the concerned officials to immediately reach the site to conduct rescue and relief operations, and to ensure that the injured receive appropriate medical treatment. I pray to God to grant eternal peace to the departed souls, bestow upon the grieving families the strength to bear this immense sorrow, and grant a speedy recovery to the injured,” the CM said.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also expressed his grief over the boat mishap.