At least 40 passengers are missing after a river ferry capsized in heavy winds in rural south-west India, officials said.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister N. Chinarajappa said 20 people managed to swim to safety after the ferry flipped over on Tuesday evening on the Godavari River but others, including people travelling to a wedding, were still missing.

Local fishermen rushed to rescue survivors, and officials deployed police and a team from the National Disasters Relief Force to the scene.

But the search was slowed by poor communications in the area and the fall of darkness.

Ferry disasters occur frequently in India with overcrowded boats.

There were no immediate reports of overcrowding and the ferry captain quickly reported to the local police station to give a statement.