Assam: One youth missing after country boat overturns in Brahmaputra

Guwahati: A picnic trip turned tragic on Sunday morning when a country boat overturned in the Brahmaputra River near North Guwahati in Assam, leaving one youth missing.

The missing person, identified as Rakesh Medhi of Rajaduar, had been travelling with four friends when the accident occurred.

According to locals, the group was heading for a picnic when the boat suddenly capsized mid-river.

Nearby boatmen quickly rushed to the spot and managed to rescue all four of Medhi’s companions.

However, despite their efforts, Medhi disappeared beneath the water and has not been found since.

Rescue teams immediately launched a search operation after receiving the alert, but the youth remains untraceable as of the latest update. Officials said the operation will continue until visibility and water conditions allow.

This incident adds to a series of river mishaps reported in the region. On June 19, 2025, three people, including two schoolchildren, went missing when a motorised boat carrying over 100 passengers partially sank in a tributary of the Brahmaputra in Nalbari district.

That vessel was travelling from Peradhara Ferry Ghat to Larkuchi and was packed mostly with school-going children.

Authorities have urged travellers to exercise caution on overloaded or unregulated boats, especially during the winter season when the Brahmaputra’s currents remain unpredictable.