NEW DELHI, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 persons died and around 30 went missing in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday after a boat capsized in the East Godavari district.

A total of 62 people were onboard the ill-fated boat which capsized near the Katchuluru village of the district.

Twenty people, some of whom wore life jackets, were reportedly saved by local villagers, according to media reports. Twelve dead bodies were also recovered from the mishap site, they added.

Rescue work was already being carried out before the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team and the local police rushed to the spot.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pain and anguish at the mishap and loss of lives. He tweeted: "Extremely pained by the capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Rescue operations are currently underway at the site of the tragedy."

According to the media reports, as many as ten boat staff were among the 30 missing people.