At least 18 people, most of them children, died when a houseboat with around 30 passengers aboard it overturned and sank near Tuvalthiram beach in the Tanur area of Malappuram district in Kerala on Sunday evening.
Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman, who is coordinating the rescue operations along with Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, said at least 18 people have died and had come for a ride amid ongoing school vacations.
"More victims are believed to be trapped under the boat and have to be brought out. The boat had overturned. The reason for it is not yet known. Police will be investigating it," he told PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the accident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the family of victims.
Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 7, 2023
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the loss of lives and directed the Malappuram District Collector to carry out a coordinated emergency rescue operation.
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Tanur boat accident in Malappuram. Have directed the District administration to effectively coordinate rescue operations, which are being overseen by Cabinet Ministers. Heartfelt condolences to the grieving families & friends.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) May 7, 2023
Fire and police units, officials from revenue and health departments and locals from Tanur and Tirur areas of the district were involved in the rescue operation, the statement said. It also said ministers Abdurahiman and Riyas would be coordinating the rescue operations.
#WATCH | Kerala: So far 18 people are dead after a tourist boat capsized near Tanur in Malappuram district of Kerala. Rescue operations are underway. https://t.co/bj89L2szyW pic.twitter.com/wnksxB3WGf
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2023
According to the police, the incident occurred around 7 PM.
Those taken out of the water were admitted to nearby private and government hospitals, it said. The exact cause of the accident was not known at present, police said.
With inputs from agencies
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