As many as 16 bodies were recovered after a ferry carrying 24 people capsized in a river in southern Indian state of Karnataka on Monday, an official said.

A search and rescue operation has been launched by the Indian Navy (IN) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to trace the missing boat and the passengers in Karwar area, confirmed an official source of the Indian Navy in New Delhi.

"Some 16 bodies recovered by the Indian Navy and the India Coast Guard (ICG) assets. Locating others by air and surface assets. Dornier aircraft also being launched from Goa as bodies drifted seawards," tweeted the official.

In a series of tweets, the official said, "The Indian Navy has launched a search and rescue operation off Karwar bridge in Kali River after a ferry boat capsized with 24 persons. Helicopter CH 495 from Goa is airborne and divers from Goa on the way with equipment."

Further details of the incident, including the identity of the dead and the missing, were still not available.