Machilipatnam (AP): At least 16 persons were killed and 19 others missing after an overloaded country boat capsized in Krishna River between Golla Manda and Gullala Moda islands of Andhra Pradesh on October 7.

The mishap occurred when the boat, carrying 50 persons including school children and labourers, lost control and capsized in the river, about 80 kms from Machilipatnam, police said.

Fifteen persons swam to safety.

Police have recovered 16 bodies so far and the fate of the others is not known, police said adding, rescue operations are on in full swing.

District collector K Prabhakar Reddy and superintendent of police Lakshman Mohan are at the spot supervising rescue and relief operations.

State Ministers V Shobhanadreshwar Rao (Agriculture) and N Narasimha Rao (Backward Classes Welfare) would arrive here shortly from Hyderabad.

PTI