Two tourists from Andhra Pradesh died while about six were reported missing on Tuesday evening after their canoe capsized near Anjuna in Goa.

People from another canoe managed to rescue around 18 persons, including two locals. The condition of one is believed to be serious.

The tourists were part of a group of 197 persons from Andhra Pradesh who had come to Goa in six buses.

Around 25 of them had boarded the canoe, which capsized as it was nearing Anjuna beach. The police is not sure of how many people had boarded the canoe.

"We are still searching for the missing persons," said DIG of Police Karnal Singh.

The incident has focused attention on the blatant practice of packing canoes with tourists, disregarding safety norms.