Rescue boats capsize in Khammam, personnel missing

Two boats capsized during a rescue attempt in flood-swollen Bethupalli tank in Khammam district on November 4, leaving rescue personnel missing as search operations continued, according to officials and local reports. The boats were carrying teams sent to reach five fishermen stranded in rising water while tending fishing nets. The fishermen were reported to be out of immediate danger, but the personnel swept into the water had not been located by the time reports described the operation continuing that night. Reports gave differing estimates of the number missing, ranging from about nine to about 10, while other accounts said at least 11. Those giving the higher figure said the rescue group included State Disaster Response Force personnel, Fire Services staff and local guides. No confirmed total or later outcome for the missing rescuers was reported. Some accounts said a three-person Fire Services unit first went to help the fishermen but became stranded after its boat engine failed. An 11-person team then used two boats to retrieve that unit, before both rescue craft capsized as the team tried to reach the fishermen. Accounts attributed the capsizing to strong currents in...