1st LD: 8 killed as boat capsizes off Pakistan's southern Thatta

ISLAMABAD Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed after a boat carrying over 50 pilgrims overturned in Pakistan's southern district of Thatta in Sindh province on Thursday, an official said.

Mirza Nasir Baig, deputy commissioner in Thatta, said the pilgrims were on their way to a shrine fair when their boat capsized on the open sea near the coastal town of Bohara in Thatta.

The death toll could further rise, he added.

Following the incident, all district administrations and rescue teams have been rushed to the area and shifted the bodies to a nearby hospital.

According to police, the accident occurred due to strong winds as the boat was already overloaded.

Rescue efforts are underway to save other missing passengers, said Geo News. Enditem