NEW DELHI: A tragic boat accident in Kerala’s Malappuram district claimed the lives of at least 22 people on Sunday evening. The incident occurred when a recreational boat, carrying around 40 passengers, capsized in the Purapuzha River at Thooval Theeram tourist spot in Tanur.
According to Abdul Nazar, junior superintendent of police, the boat overturned due to overcrowding.The death toll is expected to rise, as the boat is still stuck in muddy waters and rescue efforts are ongoing.
V. Abdurahiman, Kerala’s minister for fisheries and harbour development, informed reporters that a 21-member team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire force personnel began search operations at 6:00 AM on Monday. So far, only 12 of the victims have been identified. The deceased include several children and women.
Police, Fire and Rescue Services, the fishermen community, and locals are involved in the rescue mission. The overturned boat was lifted using cranes, and several bodies were recovered from it. The incident occurred at around 7 pm, and the rescue operation is still underway.
At least eight people have been admitted to the MIMS Hospital at Kottakal, and four of them are on ventilator support. The owner of the boat, Nasser, is absconding since Sunday evening. Police have registered a case on non-bailable charges against the driver.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for each victim. Leaders across the political spectrum expressed their shock and sadness at the tragedy.
Officials said the use of underwater cameras is being employed to track down those who are still missing. The death toll is likely to rise, as four people are in critical condition.
