Malappuram | In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded on Sunday evening, a tourist boat accident near Tanur in Kerala's Malappuram district has resulted in the loss of 20 lives, including many children and women. The tragedy occurred at Ottumpuram Thooval Theeram when a group of tourists on a sightseeing trip found themselves plunged into the river.
Authorities have revealed that approximately 40 people were onboard the ill-fated boat when disaster struck. Prompt rescue operations were initiated, leading to the successful rescue and hospitalisation of more than 10 survivors.
However, the rescue efforts were initially hindered by the darkness until lighting equipment was swiftly dispatched to the scene. The boat capsized and sank rapidly, leaving the occupants struggling for their lives. Rescue operators managed to lift the vessel from the water and bring it to the safety of the river bank.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred during the boat's final voyage of the day. Setting sail at approximately 7 PM, the boat had covered a mere 500 meters before tragedy struck. The preliminary cause of the accident is suspected to be an overloaded capacity, which caused the boat to tilt to one side, resulting in passengers losing their balance and ultimately leading to the vessel's sinking.
Eyewitness accounts from rescue operators shed light on the distressing circumstances. The boat, equipped with two decks, had numerous children on the upper deck who were not wearing life jackets, exacerbating the severity of the incident. The accident took place at a location renowned for hosting boat races, and the considerable depth of the area posed additional challenges for the rescue teams.
The boat service, which primarily catered to local tourists in Poorappuzha under the Tanur municipality, had been operational for just one month as a private venture.
Responding swiftly to the catastrophe, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed district collectors in Malappuram and Kozhikode to oversee the rescue efforts. Ministers PA Mohammed Riyaz and V Abdurahiman were assigned the task of coordinating the operations, with Health Minister Veena George taking charge of the treatment measures for the survivors.
In mourning for the lives lost, the government has announced the cancellation of all official functions in the state on Monday, including Taluk level Adalats. The Chief Minister is expected to visit Thanur on Monday morning to assess the situation firsthand. Meanwhile, the bodies of the victims have been placed in various hospitals in Tanur, and the process of identification commenced.
Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed that 20 people died on the basis of information from various hospitals where those rescued from the water and inside the boat were admitted. Of the 20 bodies, 15 have been identified, the minister added.
Abdurahiman said many of those who died were women and children who had come for a ride amid the ongoing school vacations. Four persons in critical condition have been admitted to a Kottakkal hospital, Abdurahiman said.
"More victims are believed to be trapped under the boat and have to be brought out. The boat had overturned. The reason for it is not yet known. The police will investigate it," he said.
The post-mortems will be conducted at Tirur, Thirurangadi, Perinthalmanna hospitals and Mancheri Medical College by bringing sufficient staff, including doctors, from districts such as Thrissur and Kozhikode.
Government has issued strict instructions to conduct the post-mortems from 6 am and, if possible, at the private hospitals also where some of the bodies have been kept.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of 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 Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased," Modi was quoted as saying in a tweet by the Prime Minister's Office.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condoled the loss of lives in the accident.
In a tweet, he 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 authorities in rescue operations," he said.
"It is a very tragic and unfortunate incident," PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League said. Speaking to reporters from a government hospital near Tanur, he said overcrowding is believed to have been the reason behind the vessel capsizing.
Boats are not supposed to go out for rides after 6 pm but it is believed that the rule was violated in this case, he added.
Fire and police units, officials from the Revenue and Health departments and local residents from Tanur and Tirur were involved in the rescue operation.
