PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – A tragic boating accident in Swat has claimed the lives of six people, while one woman remains missing after a family boat overturned at Saifullah Lake on the Swat River.
According to officials, seven members of the same family were travelling in the boat when it capsized, causing all passengers to fall into the water. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of six victims, while efforts continued to locate the missing woman.
The deceased include two women, two men and two children. Their bodies were shifted to Kalam Civil Hospital through ambulances, rescue officials said.
Rescue 1122 Swat teams reached the site shortly after receiving information about the incident and launched a search operation. Officials said emergency teams and ambulances were immediately deployed to the area to assist in recovery efforts.
Initial reports from authorities had stated that several tourists were missing after the boat overturned, with rescue teams working to trace those trapped in the lake. The operation later led to the recovery of six bodies, while one woman remained unaccounted for.
Officials said the circumstances that led to the boat accident were being investigated. Deputy Commissioner Swat Sohail Khan confirmed that an inquiry was underway to determine how the incident occurred.
The victims were transported to Kalam Hospital as authorities continued coordinating the rescue and recovery process.
The incident has renewed attention on safety risks around rivers and lakes in the region, particularly during the peak tourist season when large numbers of visitors travel to Swat’s scenic areas.
The Swat River and surrounding water bodies attract thousands of tourists every summer, but strong currents, sudden changes in water levels and limited awareness of water hazards have contributed to several accidents in recent years.
Last month, two women from the same family fell into the Swat River in the Jala Wanan area of Malakand district after a young girl slipped into the water and was swept away by strong currents. Rescuers later recovered one woman’s body, while another was pulled from the river unconscious and taken to a nearby hospital. The missing girl could not be traced.
In June last year, at least 17 tourists were swept away after a sudden rise in the water level of the Swat River. Authorities have repeatedly advised visitors to avoid dangerous sections of rivers and lakes and follow safety precautions while boating or spending time near water.