What led to Kerala tourist boat accident that killed 22

On Sunday (May 7) evening, at around 7 pm, a tourist boat carrying passengers overturned in the Tanur area of Malappuram in Kerala, drowning at least 22, most of whom were children.

8 people are in critical condition and are undergoing treatment.  The exact number of people in the capsized vessel is yet to be ascertained, the official added.

A senior district official told PTI that all the 22 people whose bodies have been recovered have been identified. “We have requested the help of all agencies. NDRF and Coast Guard teams have already reached the spot. We have also sought the Navy’s help,” the official said.

More people are believed to be trapped under the boat and rescue operations were still going on. According to officials, most of the victims who were on the boat for a ride were on summer vacation. 

What happened?

The disaster occurred when a houseboat with over 30 passengers (approximately) on board overturned. PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), said that overcrowding is believed to be the cause of the boat capsizing. He informed PTI that boats are not permitted to operate after 6 pm, but this rule was breached in this particular instance. 

"We will start investigation once the rescue operations are over. The reason could be overcrowding but cannot confirm as of now. The owner of the boat, Nazar is absconding since the accident took place yesterday. Police on the lookout for him," Malappuram police said.

What did the government say?

• Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to visit the site of the accident in Tanur.
• The state has announced that Monday will be a day of official mourning, and all government events have been postponed as a tribute to the victims. 

• In response to the incident, Kerala's Health Minister Veena George held an emergency meeting of the State Health Department at midnight and instructed officials to ensure that the injured receive medical care.

• He has also given orders to expedite the post-mortem process and has issued strict directives to start the post-mortem (already began at 6 am today). 
• Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the Malappuram boat capsize incident and appealed to the party workers to assist the authorities in rescue operations.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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

  - Prime Minister's Office.

  Latest Updates: 

• Kerala government announced today (May 8), a judicial probe into the matter and decided to give a compensation of Rs ten lakh to the kin of the deceased.
• Addressing the media here after visiting Tirurahngandi Taluk Hospital and the Kunnummel family which lost 12 members, CM Vijayan termed the accident as a "tragedy" and said the government will bear the expense of those under treatment, according to PTI.
• He announced this probe and compensation after an all-party meeting held at Tanur in which senior opposition leaders also participated.

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