37 dead, 40 missing as boat sinks in UP

The boat, which had a capacity of 50 passengers, was carrying twice that number when it overturned Saturday in Ballia, 350km southeast 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.