Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 10 (BPNS)

The scuba divers and rescue team who were in search of missing persons in Pamba river following the toppling of a snake boat on Saturday morning have retrieved the body of one more person. The body of Vineesh (28)from Cherukol in Alappuzha district.

The body of Adidevan (17) who was a Class 12 student who was also missing after the snake boat toppled was recovered early from Pamba river.

One more person is suspected to be missing and his identity is not known.

Heavy undercurrents in the Pamba river is leading to difficulties in rescue operation.

Heavy under current in Pamba river due to incessant rains in the past few days has led to the overturning of the snake boat. However local people said that children were seen jumping in the boat which would have led to the toppling of the boat in the Pamba river.

Chengannur MLA and former minister, Saji Cherian while speaking to media persons said that scuba divers are deployed and fire force and police are together in the search operations for one more person who is suspected to be missing.

Aranmula panchayath president Vijayamma told media persons that 50 people were in the boat while it toppled.

It may be noted that the incessant rains in the central areas of Kerala have led to raising in water levels in most of the rivers. With the snake boat race being held after months of preparations, several snake boats deployed by various regions are engaged in a fight for supremacy in the waters.