A day after at least ten people lost their lives when a tourist boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura city on April 10, fresh visuals have come to light showing what happened before
the tragedy. The victims were part of a group from Punjab visiting Vrindavan.
The clips now being shared online highlight serious safety concerns, including overcrowding and lack of basic precautions, raising questions about possible negligence.
Crowded Boat Seen Before Accident
One of the clips shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user Piyush Rai shows a group of devotees travelling on a steamer in Mathura. The boat looks heavily crowded, with people sitting and standing very close to each other. There appears to be little space left on board, suggesting that the number of passengers may have exceeded the allowed limit.
The devotees are seen chanting “Radhe Radhe” as the boat moves across the river. However, an important safety detail stands out, none of the passengers are wearing life jackets.
The caption of the post reads, “How negligence cost lives of 10 Punjab devotees Steamer packed beyond capacity in UP’s Mathura. Devotees from Punjab chanting “Radhe Radhe”. None of them wearing life jacket. The boat capsized, 10 people died.”
How negligence cost lives of 10 Punjab devotees
Steamer packed beyond capacity in UP’s Mathura. Devotees from Punjab chanting “Radhe Radhe”. None of them wearing life jacket. The boat capsized, 10 people died. pic.twitter.com/EPiotRTbQZ
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) April 10, 2026
Panic And Rescue Efforts After Capsizing
Another clip shows what happened after the boat overturned. Several people can be seen in the river, trying to stay afloat as they are carried by the current. Some appear to be struggling, while others are seen floating and moving with the flow of water.
As the video continues, a few people from nearby boats and the riverbank are seen trying to help. They attempt to reach those in the water and pull them to safety, as the situation turns chaotic.
वृंदावन नाव हादसे का Live Video –
पंजाब से आए 37 टूरिस्ट मछली की तरह यमुना नदी में बह रहे हैं। गनीमत ये रही कि वहां मौजूद 2 नाव तुरंत ही रेस्क्यू करने पहुंच गईं। जिसके बाद आधे से ज्यादा लोग सुरक्षित बचा लिए गए। इस हादसे में 10 लोगों की मौत हुई है, 5 लापता हैं। https://t.co/xiN3WRapa7 pic.twitter.com/B6FYDtcH7y
— Sachin Gupta (@Sachingupta) April 10, 2026
Officials Share Details Of The Incident
According to officials, the incident took place around 3 pm near Kesi Ghat, which is about 2.5 km from the Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura. Around 30 people were on board the boat at the time, even though its capacity was said to be around 15.
Authorities reportedly said the boat hit a pontoon bridge before it overturned. “Based on eyewitness accounts so far, the prima facie cause of the accident appears to be the boat colliding with the pontoon bridge, which led to it capsizing. Ten bodies have been recovered from the site,” a senior police officer said as per News18.
Rescue teams from the Army, PAC and NDRF were quickly sent to the spot. While 16 to 17 people were rescued safely, search operations are still underway to find those who are missing.
Survivors Recall Strong Winds And Ignored Warnings
Some survivors said the weather suddenly changed while the boat was in the middle of the river. Strong winds made the boat unstable and difficult to control.
According to News18, one of the passengers said, “The boat started swaying as the wind intensified. Its speed increased, and it eventually collided with a pontoon bridge and overturned.”
Another survivor claimed they had warned the boatman to slow down as they approached the bridge, but he did not listen. Reports also suggest that the boatman fled the scene after the accident.
