JK News Today & Agencies
Jammu, May 8: At least 22 people, including children, drowned when a double-decker tourist boat capsized near a beach at Tanur, a coastal town in Kerala’s Malappuram district in the Purapuzha river, last night.
The condition of four people under treatment is said to be critical.
Survivors alleged that the boat was overcrowded and that most of the passengers did not have safety life jackets.
According to officials, the incident took place at Thooval Theeram Ottupuram beach near Tanur around 7.30 pm.
According to local authorities, the boat, operated by a private entrepreneur, did not have permission to enter the waters after dusk but the operators continued the service as there was heavy rush of visitors Sunday evening.
There were around 35-40 passengers when the boat capsized while making the last trip of the day.
The state government declared an official mourning Monday for the victims, and cancelled all official functions for the day. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would reach Tanur Monday morning, said an official communication from his office.
Rafeeque, one of the passengers who was rescued, told reporters that the incident took place around 400 metres from the beach. The boat capsized near the estuary of river Poorapuzha. It did not have safety jackets for the passengers, he said, adding that rescue was delayed as there was no boat in the vicinity.
While passengers in the upper deck of the boat managed to escape when it capsized, those in the lower deck got trapped inside as its doors were closed.
Initially, local people and fishermen engaged in the rescue operations, which was later taken over by the district administration assisted by police, health, and fire and rescue departments.
Rescue operations were hampered by lack of lights and narrow roads to the spot delayed shifting of the rescued to nearby hospitals. Later in the night, a team of NDRF from Thrissur moved to Malappuram for the rescue operations.
IUML legislator K P A Majeed, who reached the spot, said they had complained to the officials about the lack of safety measures.
The coast has mainly fishing vessels. It was only recently that the tourist boat service was launched here. Authorities allowed the boat service without ensuring any safety of the passengers, he alleged.
Later in the night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. Ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his tweet said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Tanur boat accident. Have directed the district administration to effectively coordinate rescue operations, which are overseen by Cabinet ministers,” he said.
