A tourist boat capsized off the Tanur coast in Kerala district on Sunday, killing at least 21 people. The incident happened in the Malappuram district in Kerala, where a tourist boat capsized near the Tanur coast. A number of vehicles arrived at the scene to conduct the rescue effort.
While talking to ANI, Regional Fire Range Officer Shiju KK said, “So far, we have recovered 21 dead bodies. We don’t know the exact number of people on the boat, so we are continuing the search to find out whether there are more victims trapped in the mud or not.”
The rescue effort was launched when several vehicles arrived at the scene.
Following the incident, Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George called an urgent meeting of the State Health Department and gave the officials instructions to ensure better care for the injured.
Better injury care and quicker post-mortem procedures have been ordered by the health minister. The post-mortem will begin on Monday at 6 a.m., according to strict instructions from the minister.
On Sunday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences for the deaths caused by the Malappuram boat capsize incident and he commanded that rescue efforts be properly coordinated.
“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,” said CM Pinarayi Vijayan in a tweet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.
“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,” said a tweet from th Prime Minister’s office on Sunday night.
