13 dead, 20 missing as boat capsizes in eastern India

At least 13 people have died and 20 were missing when a boat capsized in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, news reports and officials said Monday, according to dpa. The boat carrying more than 100 passengers sank in the Hirakud dam reservoir Sunday evening. The passengers were local residents out for a picnic who had hired the boat. The victims included five women and two children, broadcaster NDTV reported. Local police chief BP Panda said 11 bodies had been recovered so far, and the death toll could increase because 20 people were still missing. More than 80 people were rescued. "Initial investigations show the boat capsized due to overcrowding. Witnesses said water had started gushing into the boat, that led to the capsize," he said.