22 killed as boat capsizes in Kerala’s Malappuram

Those rescued alleged that the boat was overcrowded and most of the passengers did not have safety life jackets.

May 8, 2023 - 09:30

22 killed as boat capsizes in Kerala’s Malappuram

At least 22 people, including children, were killed after a houseboat capsized in Kerala’s Malappuram on Sunday, PTI reported, citing a senior district official.

The tragedy occurred at around 7 pm near an estuary close to the Thoovaltheeram beach at Tanur, a coastal town in the district.

There were more than 30 passengers on board and those rescued alleged that the boat was overcrowded. Most of the passengers also did not have safety life jackets, reported The Indian Express.

Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Monday said that the toll is likely to rise as rescue operations are still underway. However, the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, Abdurahiman added.

PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League, told PTI that boats are not allowed to enter the waters after 6 pm but the operators violated the rule.

Another legislator from the Indian Union Muslim League, KPA Majeed, said that officials were warned about the lack of safety measures, reported The Indian Express. The town mainly has fishing vessels and the tourist boat service had been launched recently. The authorities allowed the service to continue without ensuring safety of the passengers, Majeed alleged.