DHAKA: An overloaded passenger boat has capsized in a river in eastern India, leaving 29 people confirmed dead as rescuers searched for others feared missing.

An Indian official said on Monday, reports The Straits Times.

Scuba divers aided by rescue helicopters pulled dozens of people from the water after the boat carrying some 100 passengers overturned on Sunday in the state of Orissa, a senior official said.

‘We have recovered 29 bodies so far. Search operations will continue because three more persons are still missing,’ special relief commissioner PK Mohapatra told media.

Survivors and eyewitnesses told local media the boat was returning from a picnic spot on one side of the Hirakud reservoir and was crossing the attached Mahanadi river in Sambalpur district.

BDST: 2032 HRS, FEB 10, 2014