The mechanised boat was carrying the passengers as well as a huge volume of goods on its way from Canning to Gosaba in South 24-parganas district, before it capsized.
While thirty people swam to safety, ten others, including an unconscious child were rescued by the locals.
Doctors attended the child and nine others feeling unwell, police said.
The boatman has not yet been arrested.
Published 21 December 2010, 10:49 IST