20 Dead After Houseboat Capsizes In Kerala

At least 20 people, including women and 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, the state government informed.

Sports Minister V Abdurahiman said 20 deaths were confirmed on the basis of information from various hospitals where those pulled out from the water and inside the boat were admitted.

Mr Abdurahiman said many of those who died were women and children who had come for a ride amid the 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 reporters.

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.

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