State media: Boat, barge collision kills at least 7 in Russia

By the CNN Wire Staff

Rescue workers examine the wreckage of the sunken boat in the Moskva river in Moscow, Russia, on July 31.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The boat was carrying 16 people attending a birthday party
The collision was on the Moskva River in Moscow
A crane is expected to arrive to help free the private boat, which is still wedged under water

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Russia

Moscow (CNN) -- The death toll has risen to seven in a boat collision Sunday in the center of the Russian capital, state media reported.

A private boat carrying 16 people collided with a cargo barge on the Moskva River in Moscow then sank, according to Russia's RIA-Novosti official news agency. The people onboard had been celebrating a birthday.

Authorities have confirmed seven survivors. Two people are unaccounted for, the news agency said.

Rescue efforts are under way, and a crane is expected to arrive at the site of the collision to help free the private boat, which is still wedged under water.