Children were among those killed after a boat sank in an estuary in Malappuram, Kerala. The number of fatalities is expected to rise since more people are still missing.
According to locals, there were 50 passengers on the boat, which had a capacity of 25. The state government of Kerala said that at least 20 people, mostly women and children, perished on Sunday night when a houseboat in the Tanur neighbourhood of the Malappuram district capsized and drowned near Tuvalthiram beach.
According to information from several hospitals where individuals who were hauled out of the water and into the boat were admitted, sports minister V. Abdurahiman claimed that 20 deaths had been confirmed.
About the Malappuram, Kerala, incident
In one of the worst boating accidents in Kerala’s history, a tourist boat capsized on Sunday, killing 20 people, including seven children. Numerous people are feared missing; thus, search efforts are still being conducted. Personnel from the National Response Force for Disasters and the Fire Force have been sent out to assist with the search efforts. Fishermen among the locals are helping the military with their tasks.
For the rescue efforts, Navy and Coast Guard personnel are also anticipated at the scene. The whereabouts of the people stuck in the Kerala river are being tracked via underwater cameras. It is discovered that the authorities are completely unaware of how many individuals were in the boat. According to rumours, 39 people—excluding kids—purchased tickets.
Nasar, the owner of the boat, is facing accusations, including culpable homicide, after Tanur police opened an investigation into the boat tragedy. The boat’s owner, a native of Tanur, is now evading capture by law enforcement.
At Thooval Theeram on Sunday after 6.30 p.m., the accident happened. The boat owner is accused of converting a fishing vessel for tourist services. The fact that the boat was being used without authorization to operate was also confirmed by officials. The boat was performing services without any safeguards in place, according to locals. According to reports, the boat was crammed to capacity on Sunday night, and none of the passengers had life jackets.
Officials Statement
In a statement, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences for the victims’ deaths and gave the Malappuram District Collector the go-ahead to organise an urgent rescue effort. Many of those killed, according to Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman, were ladies and kids who were looking for a ride during the current school break.
“It’s suspected that there are more casualties trapped underneath the boat that need to be rescued. The boat capsized. Its cause is currently unknown. The police will investigate it, he assured the press. The accident’s fatalities were lamented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also promised to compensate each victim’s family with Rs. 2 lakh.
The rescue operation was carried out by fire and police units, representatives from the tax and health departments, and people from the district’s Tanur and Tirur villages, according to the statement. Additionally, it stated that the rescue efforts will be coordinated by ministers Abdurahiman and Riyas. The incident took place around seven o’clock, according to the police. According to the report, those pulled from the sea were admitted to local public and private hospitals. According to officials, the accident’s precise cause is now unknown.
Both public and private hospitals in Tanur house the mortal remains. To expedite the autopsy and deliver the bodies to the families, the government has taken steps. Government and commercial hospitals in Tirurangadi, Tanur, and Tirur are accepting new patients. Most of these patients are in serious condition. According to sources, the catastrophe also claimed the lives of 11 family members who were on vacation.
