2nd LD Writethru: 13 killed in boat capsizal in southern Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 people were killed after a boat carrying over 50 pilgrims overturned off Pakistan's southern district of Thatta in Sindh province on Thursday, an official said.

"At least 20 others have been rescued so far," Deputy Commissioner of Thatta Mirza Nasir Baig said, adding that more than 50 pilgrims were on their way to partake in an annual festival of a local saint whose shrine is located on an small island in the Arabian Sea near Thatta district in the province.

Following the incident, police, rescue teams and local residents have rushed to the area and shifted the bodies to the Sheikh Zayed Sakro Hospital in Thatta.

According to the Dawn News, efforts are underway to rescue the remaining passengers, including women and children.

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

Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought report from the concerned authorities. He also directed the rescue administration to complete the rescue operation before getting dark. Enditem