10 drown as boat capsizes in southern Pakistan

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - At least 10 people died after their boat capsized in a lake in southern Pakistan on Monday, officials said.

The boat carrying 13 picnickers turned over in Keenjhar Lake, Thatta district of Sindh province.

Divers, according to deputy commissioner Thatta, pulled out 10 bodies, while three people were rescued.

The boat owner also managed to survive, but is on the run, Usman Tanveer told reporters.

The deceased included nine women, and a minor girl. All the visitors were from the same family, and hailed from the nearby port city of Karachi.

Overloading and bad weather are likely to be the causes of the accident, the official added.

The lake is popular with residents who travel for day-long tours. Life jackets are generally not provided, and the boats are poorly maintained.