In a boat accident 14 youngsters are feared to have drowned at the Tandava reservoir in India’s Andhra Pradesh state on Sunday.

The youths went there on a picnic and attended a local festival. Later they went for a ride in two basket-shaped boats.

The mishap took place when all the members of one boat spotted a snake and in panic, hopped over to another boat which capsized due to overloading.

Reportedly, out of the 16 persons two managed to save themselves by clinging to the other boat.

“As for rescue operations, since the morning efforts have been made despite the problems. The river at the accident site is 40 to 50 feet deep. Even with lifebuoys the situation is not favorable right now and we hope it improves for the salvage operation.”

It has been problematic to reach the scene. Local authorities were asked to rush bigger boats in.