The boat carrying 12 people from Pujariput village under Lamtaput block was on its way to Jolahonjar, about 60 km from here, when it lost balance and capsized in Kolab reservoir, they said.

While four persons, including two women, swam to safety, eight others went missing in the reservoir, police said.|

Two children and some women were among those missing.Fire brigade personnel, local fishermen and volunteers have launched a search operation in the reservoir to trace the missing persons, the police said.

The mishap took place when the villagers were proceeding to attend a function at a place across the water body, they said.