Karnataka: 12 feared drowned as boat capsizes during Ganesha immersion

Bengaluru: 12 people are feared drowned after a small round boat carrying more than 20 people capsized in Tungabadra river on Wednesday afternoon in Hadonahalli of Shivamogga district in Karnataka.

The coracle capsized when during the immersion of a Ganesha idol, reports said. Police have recovered one body so far and the search is on for the rest.

The incident happened around 1.30 pm in the afternoon.

Visuals captured by onlookers on the shore show the coracle capsizing, said a report. People rushed towards the boat to attempt to save the people, but many of those in it did not know how to swim and drowned as a result. About 10,000 people were at the spot when the incident took place.

Local media reported that five of those who were on the coracle swam to safety.

Police have cordoned off the area and have restricted the immersion of idols in the river, said a report.