At least 14 people were killed when an 'overcrowded' boat capsized during a school lake picnic in India on Thursday.

More than 31 people were riding the vessel - which had a capacity of only 16 people - when it upended in the Harni Lake during a school trip in Vadodara City, Gujarat State, on January 18 afternoon.

Passers-by and rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force responded to the scene to rescue the drowning schoolchildren at around 5 pm.

Harrowing footage shows the responders paddling in the water as they lifted the limp bodies of several victims out of the lake.

Authorities said at least 12 students and two teachers had died in the accident.

A local official said: 'The incident took place around 5pm when children from New Sunrise School located on Waghodia Road in Vadodara were out for a picnic. The children were from Class 1 to Class 6.

'The maximum capacity of the boat is around 16 passengers, but more than 31 people were crammed on it at the time of the accident, besides the four operators.'

Officers said there were also no life vests onboard.

Vadodara Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut said the boat operators were arrested on suspicion of violating section 304 of the Indian Penal Code.

In a statement, Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, said: 'I am deeply saddened by the tragedy of Harani Lake. It is hard to imagine what goes through the hearts of innocent children when time takes them away from their parents.

'I am in constant coordination with the system and am leaving for Vadodara after suspending other programs. At present, emergency relief-rescue and treatment operations are going on through the system. We all hope and pray that more and more lives can be saved.'

'The state government has decided to conduct a high-level inquiry into the Harani Lake disaster. The incident will be investigated by the Vadodara District Magistrate.

'The negligence in this tragedy is inexcusable. The circumstances, reasons and liability for this incident will be investigated.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said compensation from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund will be given to the families of the deceased.