NDRF personnel are engaged in rescue work.
New Delhi:
At least 22 people, including seven children, were killed when a double-decker boat capsized and drowned near a beach in Kerala’s Malappuram district on Sunday evening, the state government said.
The incident took place around 7 pm near Tuvalathiram beach in Tanur area of the district. A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered against the owner of the boat, police said.
Although the exact number of passengers on the boat is still unknown, 40 were with tickets while many others were without any. The boat reportedly did not even have a safety certificate.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indian Coast Guard personnel are engaged in rescue operations. Underwater cameras are being used to trace the missing people.
Leaders from the political field expressed grief and sorrow over the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the victims.
“Suffering from loss of lives due to boat accident in Kerala’s Malappuram. Condolences to the bereaved families. Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) will be provided to the next of kin of each.” Deceased,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted on Sunday evening.
Saddened by the death of people in the boat accident in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. Ex-gratia amount of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased: PM @Narendra Modi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 7, 2023
Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“Distressed by the news of a houseboat capsizing in Malappuram, Kerala. My heartfelt condolences to all who have lost their loved ones, and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.” “I appeal to Congress workers to help the authorities in the rescue operation,” Gandhi tweeted.
Distressed by the news of a houseboat sinking in Malappuram, Kerala.
My heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their near and dear ones and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
I appeal to Congress workers to assist the authorities in rescue operations.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 7, 2023
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that he would visit the spot today and directed the Malappuram District Collector to immediately launch an emergency rescue operation. Police, fire and health officials along with the local people of Tanur are engaged in the rescue operation.
The chief minister also announced that Monday has been declared a day of mourning and all government programs have been suspended as a mark of respect to the victims.
According to the police, the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.