By Syed Shahabuddin

SWAT: Six tourists, including two women and two children, died after a boat capsized in Saifullah Lake in Kalam Valley, while one woman remained missing as rescue teams continued their search, police said.

The tourists, all from Punjab, were visiting the scenic lake when the boat overturned. The incident has renewed concerns over boating safety at tourist spots in Swat, where visitors often rely on private boat operators during the peak tourism season.

According to police officials, the accident occurred after the boatman allegedly took the boat beyond the designated safe zone. The boat reportedly lost balance and capsized, throwing all seven tourists into the lake.

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of six victims, including a father and his son, two women and two children. Police said the boatman managed to swim to safety, while divers continued efforts to locate the missing woman.

Police, Rescue 1122, the district administration and local volunteers took part in the rescue and recovery operation. Search teams remained at the lake as efforts continued to find the missing tourist.

Safety concerns at Swat tourist lakes

Local residents said a similar boating accident had previously occurred at Mahodand Lake. They said the administration had taken notice at the time, but claimed that effective safety measures were not fully implemented afterward.

Residents and tourism stakeholders said weak enforcement of boating regulations, unclear navigation limits and the absence of mandatory life jackets continue to put tourists at risk.

They urged the authorities to introduce strict safety rules at tourist lakes across Swat, including compulsory life jackets, trained boat operators, marked safe zones and regular monitoring of boating activity.

Local stakeholders said stronger safety enforcement is essential not only to protect visitors but also to safeguard Swat’s tourism industry from repeated tragedies.

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