Boat carrying members of family overturns in Swat’s Saifullah Lake, search continues for missing passengers
At least five tourists were killed after a boat capsized in Saifullah Lake in the Kalam area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat district on Wednesday, police said, while rescue teams continued searching for the remaining missing passengers.
Police initially said the boat was carrying seven people, including the boatman. However, officials later said eight members of the same family were on board when the accident occurred.
Swat District Police Officer Mohammad Omar Khan said five bodies had been recovered from the Mahodand area and that rescue teams, police, and local volunteers were continuing search efforts for the remaining missing persons.
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According to the police, the boatman was rescued with serious injuries and taken to the hospital for treatment.
K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grief over the incident, describing the boat accident as “deeply tragic and heartbreaking”.
While extending condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the departed souls, he urged the relevant authorities to make the rescue operation more effective and continue the search without interruption until all the missing persons were located.
The governor also called for strict enforcement of safety measures and boating regulations at tourist destinations.
K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and sought an immediate report from the relevant administration.
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He directed that action be taken against those responsible if negligence or lapses were established.
The chief minister said the provincial government stood with the affected families during the difficult time.
He also directed rescue authorities to continue search and relief operations with full responsibility and urgency to recover a missing girl.
