Indian police have recovered at least ten bodies after three to four boats capsized in stormy conditions during a race on the Sabang river in the country's remote northeast.

Rescuers were searching for several people missing in the accident about 255 (155 miles) west of Gauhati, Assam state's capital.

Sahay said it was not clear whether the dead were all participants in the rowing boat race because some people were traveling on the same river stretch in motor boats when the accident happened.

Many ferries are poorly built and overcrowded. There is little regard for safety regulations and life jackets.