A boat carrying tourists capsized in the southern state of Kerala, India on Sunday (May 7th). Authorities said the accident left at least 22 people dead. The incident happened in Tanur, a coastal town in Malappuram district. “There are about six people in the hospital. Rescue operations are ongoing,” said a policeman from the station in Tanur, a coastal town in Malappuram district where the tragedy occurred. According to him, 30 people were on board.
Dozens of people worked overnight around and inside the partially submerged wreck. While some stabilized the ship with ropes, others watched through the portholes, looking for survivors.
“Saddened by the loss of life following the boat accident in Malappuram, Kerala. [My] condolences to the bereaved families,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, promising compensation to the next of kin of each victim.
Most of the victims are children, during school holidays, said V. Abdurahiman, Kerala state sports minister who is coordinating the rescue efforts.
Survivors testified to the local press, observing that many passengers were not wearing life jackets. The reason for the vessel’s capsizing remains unknown at this time.
