A tourist boat capsized at Saifullah Lake on the Swat River, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals while two others were rescued, officials confirmed on Wednesday. Rescue 1122 teams recovered seven bodies from the lake and transported them to Kalam Hospital by ambulance.
Emergency response units and ambulances were promptly dispatched following reports of the accident received by the control room. Earlier, the district administration had announced the recovery of five bodies and indicated that search and rescue operations were ongoing to locate four missing tourists.
Authorities have yet to release detailed information regarding the cause of the boat overturning. This tragic event adds to growing concerns about drowning incidents in the region.
In a significant development 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 and was swept away by the river’s currents. Rescuers recovered one woman’s body, while the other was found unconscious and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The young girl remains missing.
The Swat River is a popular destination during the summer tourist season, attracting many visitors. However, strong currents, sudden water level changes, and limited awareness of river dangers continue to pose serious risks to both tourists and locals.
Notably, in June of the previous year, at least 17 tourists were swept away following a sudden rise in the Swat River’s water level. Authorities have consistently urged visitors to avoid hazardous sections of rivers and lakes and to adhere strictly to safety protocols when boating or visiting waterfront areas.
