Kerala boat tragedy – 11 family members including 3 children among dead: report

Malappuram:

At least 22 people died when a double-decker tourist boat capsized in Kerala, officials said Monday.

The incident happened late Sunday in Tanur, Malappuram district. Rescue operations were underway.

Dozens of people searched for survivors in and around the partially submerged ship during the night. Some used ropes to steady the ship while others were in the water looking through the boat’s windows.

“We recovered 22 bodies, including 15 women and seven men. There are about six people in the hospital. Rescue operations are underway,” a police officer from Tanur Police Station told AFP.

Around 30 people were on board, the officer added.

Local publication Onmanorama reported that 11 people from a family, including three children, died in the accident.

Sports and Fisheries Minister V Abdurahiman, who helped coordinate the rescue effort, said most of the victims were children during school holidays.

It is believed that more than 30 people were on the ship at the time of the incident.

Mr Abdurahiman said four people were hospitalized in critical condition, according to the Press Trust of India news agency.

Survivors told local media that many of the passengers were not wearing life jackets.

“Sorrowful at the loss of life due to the boat accident in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter, adding that each victim’s family would be entitled to compensation.

It was initially unclear why the boat capsized.