- Saturday, March 01, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
The southern Indian state of Kerala on Sunday (7) witnessed a tragedy after a double-decker boat overturned and capsized near a beach in its Malappuram district, resulting in deaths of at least 22 people, including seven children, the state government said.
The incident took place near Tuvalthiram beach in the Tanur area of the district in central Kerala around 7 pm local time. A case for culpable homicide was registered against the owner of the ill-fated boat, NDTV reported.
While it was not immediately known as to how many people on board the boat, it is understood that 40 carried tickets while many were without any. The boat reportedly had no safety certificate either.
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
The cause of the accident was not ascertained yet, the police said.
Distraught by the news of a houseboat capsizing in Malappuram, Kerala.
My heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones, and wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured.
I appeal to Congress workers to assist the authorities in rescue operations.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 7, 2023
Personnel of the National Disaster Response Force and Indian Coast Guard were engaged in rescue work after the accident. Underwater cameras were also being used to locate the missing.
Prime minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh (£1,934) to the 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 ₹ 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased,” the Prime Minister’s office tweeted Sunday evening.
Rahul Gandhi, Indian National Congress leader and former parliamentarian from Kerala, also wished speedy recovery of those injured.
“Distraught by the news of a houseboat capsizing in Malappuram, Kerala. My heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones, and wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured.” “I appeal to Congress workers to assist authorities in rescue operations,” he said in a tweet.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he would visit the site on Monday (8) and asked the district collector of Malappuram to carry out an emergency rescue operation with immediate effect.
Personnel from police, fire and health departments were joined by local people of Tanur in the rescue operation.
A day of mourning in the state was announced by Vijayan with all government events deferred.
