By India Today News Desk: The death toll in the Malappuram boat capsize incident rose to 22 and at least seven people are in critical condition, district administration said. The tragedy happened when a houseboat with more than 30 passengers onboard capsized and sank in Kerala’s Malappuram on Sunday, reported PTI.
The incident occurred around 7 pm near an estuary close to the Thoovaltheeram beach in Tanur, the police said.
A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire service officials rushed to the spot late Sunday night and search and rescue operations are underway to save the victims. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will visit the accident spot today.
Here are the top developments in Malappuram boat capsize incident:
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According to authorities, 22 deaths were confirmed on the basis of information from various hospitals where those pulled out from the water and inside the boat were admitted. Seven people in critical condition have been admitted to hospital, Kerala minister Abdurahiman said.
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“We have recovered 21 dead bodies so far. We don’t know the exact number of people on the boat, so we are continuing the search operation to find out whether there are more victims trapped in the mud or not,” Shiju KK, Regional Fire Range Officer told news agency ANI.
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Fire and police units, officials from the Revenue and Health departments and local residents from Tanur and Tirur were involved in the rescue operation. NDRF team reached the accident spot at 1.30 am and efforts are underway to save the victims. The search operations resumed this morning.
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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will travel to Tanur to visit the accident site today morning. According to state statement, Monday has been declared a day of official mourning and all government programmes stand postponed as a mark of respect to the victims.
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Earlier, PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), said overcrowding is believed to have been the reason behind the vessel capsizing. Boats are not supposed to go out for rides after 6 pm but it is believed that the rule was violated in this case, he told PTI.
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Kerala minister Abdurahiman told PTI that many of those who died were women and children who had come for a ride amid the ongoing school vacation.
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Health Minister Veena George called an emergency meeting following the accident to assess the situation, the state government said. George instructed that expert treatment be ensured for the injured and the post-mortem process sped up so that the bodies can be released quickly to the next of kin, the statement said.
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Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the Malappuram boat capsize incident and appealed to the party workers to assist the authorities in rescue operations.
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“Deeply saddened by the tragic boat accident in Malappuram, Kerala. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each victim.
“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 (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased,” Modi was quoted as saying in a tweet by the Prime Minister’s Office.
(With inputs from Shibi)
