Six members of a single family, including four children and a woman, went missing after an engine-fitted boat capsized in the Brahmaputra River near Chenga in Barpeta on Tuesday afternoon, January 27, officials said.
The victims were among 27 passengers travelling in a small mechanised boat to attend a relative’s wedding at Barghol Char. According to survivors, the boat began taking in water from the front shortly after departure, leading to panic onboard.
Six members of a family, including four children, went missing after a wedding boat capsized in the Brahmaputra near Chenga in Assam’s Barpeta district on January 27. The boat, carrying 27 passengers, reportedly sank mid-river after taking in water, prompting a search operation by police and SDRF.
What Happened
Survivors told authorities that passengers repeatedly warned the boatman about water entering the vessel and urged him to stop. However, the boat continued its journey and sank mid-river moments later.
Those reported missing have been identified as Julufa Yasmin (5), Arian Ali (7), Amina Khatun (8), Rahul Ali (8), Sukurjan Nessa (38), and Madhu Mia (48).
Eyewitnesses said Madhu Mia was holding the children and the woman when the boat went under. Unable to swim while supporting them, all six were swept away by the strong current.
Rescue Efforts
Local residents and fellow passengers managed to rescue several people, while others swam to safety. A search and rescue operation was launched by Barpeta Police with assistance from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Officials said the operation had to be temporarily suspended after nightfall due to poor visibility and safety concerns. The search is expected to resume once conditions improve.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
While the incident occurred in Barpeta, it has renewed concerns in Guwahati, the state’s transport and administrative hub, about river safety on the Brahmaputra. Guwahati serves as the focal point for disaster response coordination, river transport policy, and safety advisories across Assam.
Experts and civic groups in Guwahati have long flagged risks posed by overcrowded and poorly maintained boats, especially during peak wedding seasons when river crossings increase across multiple districts.
Safety Concerns Highlighted
The incident has again brought attention to:
- Overcrowding on mechanised boats
- Lack of safety gear and monitoring
- Insufficient enforcement of river transport norms
Authorities have been urged to strengthen checks and ensure compliance with safety regulations across Brahmaputra ferry routes.
What Happens Next
Officials said efforts will resume to trace the missing persons as conditions permit. The incident is also expected to prompt a review of river transport safety protocols, with Guwahati-based departments likely to play a central role in any follow-up measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The accident occurred in the Brahmaputra River near Chenga in Barpeta district.
Six people from a single family, including four children, are reported missing.
