Alappuzha: Two persons were drowned and two others have gone missing as a ‘palliyodam’- a large snake boat- capsized in Achankovil river on Saturday. The locals claimed that there were nearly 50 persons on the boat.

The deceased were identified as Plus Two student Adityan and Cherukol native Bineesh.

The boat named ‘Chennithala Palliyodam’ was reportedly overturned while making a turn at Valiya Perumpuzha in Mavelikkara. The ‘palliyodam’ and rowers were prepared to participate in the Aranmula Uthrattathi boat race.

A team of scuba divers are leading the search here. Meanwhile, the heavy currents in the river hinder the ongoing rescue mission, reported Saji Cheriyan MLA. He assured that more persons will be soon deployed for the operation.