Pokhara, August 9
Two youths — Pratik Shrestha (19) of Chakrapath and Alin KC (23) of Basundhara, Kathmandu — have been missing in the Fewa Lake since Monday afternoon.
The two, who were part of an eight-member team on board the boat, went missing after the boat they were riding on capsized on Monday afternoon.
Kaski district police office said a search lasting till Monday evening yielded no result, adding that police resumed the search operation on Tuesday morning.
Spokesperson for Kaski DPO, DSP Gaju Siddhi Bajracharya, said they are conducting a search for the two using Armed Police Force’s divers and fishermen. Taking the spot where the boat capsized as the central point, we have been conducting a search in the vicinity, he said.
Of the two, Pratik and Alin came to Nepal from Japan and Australia a few days ago.
Pratik, Alin and six others from Kathmandu had boarded the boat that capsized probably after losing balance, police say, explaining that a typical boat in operation in the Fewa can carry six people.
The rescue team managed to rescue six of the eight people. Five of the rescued are receiving treatment at Gandaki Medical College, whereas the sixth person is under treatment at Manipal Teaching Hospital, police informed.
Saugat Shretha, one of the boat riders, said the boat capsized on the way to Barahi Ghat from Tal Pari as water engulfed the vessel due to strong winds.
Police suspect that the disaster occurred also because those on board the boat did not bother to put on life jackets.
