Kerala boat capsize incident: Death toll rises to 22, eight under treatment

Update (May 8, 12:50 PM): As per sources, the death toll in the Kerala tourist boat capsizes risen to 22. Eight injured people who were rescued from the site are under treatment at various hospitals, as per officials.

The boat which was carrying at least 30 people, capsized near Tanur Coast in Malappuram, Kerala on Sunday.

According to the official information, the search operations by the National Disaster Response Team are still underway. 37 people have been identified so far, out of which 22 people died.

Kerala boat capsize incident: Death toll rises to 21 in Malappuram

According to the latest information from the Regional Fire Range Officer, the death toll in Malappuram, Kerala boat capsize incident rose to 21. The incident happened on Sunday when a tourist boat capsized on the Tanur coast. 

As per an official, the exact number of people on the boat is not known and the search operations are still on to find out whether more victims are trapped in the mud or not. However, it is said that there were thirty people on the boat when the incident happened. A houseboat with more than 30 people on board capsized and drowned on Sunday near the Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area of Kerala’s Malappuram district, killing women and children, according to the state government.

Sports Minister V Abdurahiman said that four victims are in critical condition and have been admitted to a Kottakkal hospital. So far, 21 deaths were confirmed based on information from various hospitals where those pulled out from the water and inside the boat were admitted. 

Meanwhile, Veen George, the health minister has called an emergency meeting of the State Health Department on Sunday late night following the incident and has directed the officials to ensure better health treatment for the people who are injured. He also directed the officials for the speedy post-mortem. 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday condoled the death in the Malappuram boat capsize. Taking to Twitter he said, “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.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking it to Twitter, also condoled the deaths in the incident and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the deceased to the next of kin. “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,” he said.