At least 37 people died and about 40 were missing after an overcrowded boat carrying farm labourers capsized on the Ganges River in northern India, an official said Sunday.
The boat, which had a capacity of 50 passengers, was carrying twice that number when it overturned Saturday in Ballia, 350 kilometers (225 miles) south-east of Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, he said.
"Divers have so far fished out 37 bodies while the search is on for the 40 missing," home department secretary Alok Sinha told AFP.
"The boat was overcrowded and was carrying labourers who were returning to Ballia after a day's work," Sinha said.
"Initial inquiry suggests that water entered into the boat and it overturned. A few passengers jumped into the river and swam to safety," he said adding 20 passengers had managed to swim ashore.