The boat overturned near Kacchuluru village in Devipatnam Mandal of the East Godavari district.

At least 13 people died after a tourist boat carrying 61 passengers capsized in the Godavari river in Devipatnam, Andhra Pradesh on Sunday afternoon.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has confirmed that 13 people have been killed in the mishap. The accident took place near Kacchuluru village in Devipatnam Mandal of the East Godavari district.

There were 61 people on the boat among which 50 were tourists and 11 were boat staff. They had gone on a tour to see Papikondalu hills near the Godavari river.

Around 40 people are still missing. Two teams of NDRF have been mobilised, one from Vishakhapatnam and one from Guntur. Teams are en route to where the incident took place.

Reportedly, almost all of those in the boat had access to life jackets. Some of them reportedly swam to the bank. Local police and officials are present at the spot.

Godavari river had been receiving flood water of almost 5 lakh cusecs till Saturday. So tourist services were halted. With floodwater receding, the officials gave permission to the tourist boats on Sunday.

Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy spoke with the officials within minutes after the news of capsizing of the boat broke. He ordered them to take up rescue operations immediately.

The chief minister also announced a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh. Ministers and officials have been instructed to support the affected families.

Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams each consisting of 30 members each have been sent for rescue operations. Two boats of the tourism department are also part of the rescue operations.

YS Jaganmohan Reddy also asked officials to use the Navy and ONGC helicopters in relief operations. He expressed serious concern over the boat accidents and has sought a report.

The chief minister has ordered the authorities to immediately suspend all boat services and asked to check licenses, fitness and other details of boat operations in river Godavari.

Expressing sadness over the incident, PM Narendra Modi tweeted, "Extremely pained by the capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Rescue operations are currently underway at the site of the tragedy."

Extremely pained by the capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Rescue operations are currently underway at the site of the tragedy. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 15, 2019

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed sadness and tweeted, "The loss of lives due to capsizing of a boat in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh is very unfortunate. I am deeply pained. My thoughts are with families of those who have lost their loved ones. May god give the bereaved families strength to withstand this tragic loss."

The loss of lives due to capsizing of a boat in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh is very unfortunate. I am deeply pained.



My thoughts are with families of those who have lost their loved ones. May god give the bereaved families strength to withstand this tragic loss. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 15, 2019

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "Saddened at the loss of lives in the Godavari boat tragedy in Andhra Pradesh. My condolences to the families of the deceased. My prayers that the missing passengers are rescued."

Saddened at the loss of lives in the Godavari boat tragedy in Andhra Pradesh. My condolences to the families of the deceased. My prayers that the missing passengers are rescued. Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 15, 2019

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao also expressed shock over the boat tragedy in East Godavari. KCR expressed deepest sympathies to the family members of the victims. Telangana residents are among the dead and the relevant authorities have been instructed to take necessary action.

Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh tweeted, "Learned about Godavari boat tragedy in Andhra Pradesh. My prayers are with the bereaved families who lost their loved ones."

Learned about Godavari boat tragedy in Andhra Pradesh. My prayers are with the bereaved families who lost their loved ones. Rao Inderjit Singh (@Rao_InderjitS) September 15, 2019

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also tweeted, "I'm sorry to hear about the boat accident in the Godavari river, in Andhra Pradesh . My deepest condolences to the families of those who have perished in this tragedy. I pray that all those reported missing will soon be accounted for and that they are safe."