A tourist boat capsized in the estuary in Kerala’s Malappuram area, killing at least 22 people, including seven children. The accident occurred near Thooval Theeram beach, and it is suspected that overcrowding caused the double-decker boat to capsize. It was reported that the boat was not fit for operation as a tourist boat and had only two exit doors and glass windows, which made it difficult for passengers to escape.
Survivors claimed that the boat was overcrowded with a lack of safety life jackets. The Kerala state government has ordered a judicial probe into the incident and announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for families of the victims.
According to a report by the Malayalam news channel Manorama, the boat was operating without a fitness certificate that is required for tourist boats. According to the article, the tragic boat was once a fishing boat that the owner changed to provide tourist services.
Initial estimates place the number of passengers on board at around 40, the majority of whom are thought to be domestic visitors and include numerous children, according to Tanur police official Jeevan George. Kerala is a popular travel destination for both domestic and foreign travellers because of its beautiful backwaters.
The final missing passenger, an eight-year-old boy, was found alive in a Calicut hospital on Monday, and rescuers suspended their search for him, according to B. Sandhya, the head of Kerala’s fire and rescue services. Police reported that a homicide case had been filed against the boat owner, and they were looking for him.
Veena George, the state’s minister of health, reported that while eight survivors were still receiving medical attention, two survivors had been discharged from the hospital following treatment.
