A boat with 35 passengers on board capsized on Friday near Karachi port's oil piers, leaving at least 19 people injured, fishermen said. About 35 passengers including women and children were rescued from a capsized boat in a rapid operation, fishermen and seaport officials told Business Recorder.
A boat, Al-Rashid, was on its routine voyage taking 35 passengers from Keamari to tiny island, plunged into sea, fishermen said, adding that 19 of the passengers received injuries who were immediately hospitalised. The boat capsized immediately after seawater filled inside through tiny holes developed in its floor from a shaft of the engine-propeller, they said.
They said 19 passengers were rushed to a hospital as they received a strong push of seawater waves during the rescue operation. "All others were safe who either went their homes or to work shortly after they were rescued," they added. Officials of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) also confirmed the rescue of all passengers during a rapid response to the incident. They said the KPT and Maritime Security Agency (MSA) took part in the operation.
"All onboard passengers were immediately pulled up from seawater after they fell along the boat capsized," officials said. Talking to Business Recorder, President Native Islanders and Fishermen Association, Asif Bhatti, said the boat plunged into the sea in no time, pulling down about 35 passengers onboard.
He said the passengers including women and children were rescued by fishing vessels sailing close to the ill-fate boat. He said the local fishermen immediately reacted to the incident and started rescue efforts. He also confirmed that 19 passengers were injured in the incident, who were rushed to a local hospital. Other passengers were safe and sound, he added.
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