Boat tragedy in Kerala: 21 dead after tourist boat capsizes in Tanur

It is reported that there were more people on the boat than it could carry. Local residents say that more than 35 people were in the boat.

The death toll in the boat accident at Thooval Theeram, Ottupuram near Tanur in the Malappuram district of Kerala late Sunday evening has gone up to 21. Most of the deceased are natives of Parappanangadi and Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district. 

Efforts are on to identify those who lost their lives in the Tanur boat accident. Some of the deceased have been identified as Hasna (18), Safna (7), Fatima (12), Siddique (35), Jabir Kunnummal (40), Aflah (7), Anshid, Razina and Faizan (3). Most of the victims are tourists.

It is reported that more people were in the boat. Local residents say that more than 35 people were in the boat.

The double-decker boat overturned in a mangrove area. The people were rescued by cutting through the accident boat. The rescue operation is progressing.  More fire units reached Malappuram and Kozhikode for rescue operations. According to reports, four children are in critical condition at Kottakkal MIMS Hospital.

The accident took place at a place called Ottumbram Tuwal Thiram near Thanur. It is suspected that there were more people in the boat than it could fit. The boat service was supposed to end at 6 pm. But the accident happened after that.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the Malappuram District Collector to carry out emergency rescue operations. Tanur and Tirur fire units, police, revenue, health department and locals are leading the rescue operation. 

President Droupadi Murmu mourned the loss of lives. In a statement, the President said: "The tragic loss of lives in the boat mishap at Malappuram, Kerala is extremely shocking and saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I pray for the well-being of the survivors."

Mourning the loss of lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to say: "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."

Ministers PA Muhammad Riaz and V Abdur Rahman are coordinating the rescue operation. The Chief Minister also expressed his condolences to the family members of the deceased.

Health Minister Veena George directed the Director of the Health Department to provide expert treatment and make adequate arrangements for those injured in the boat accident in Malappuram Thanur. More staff have been deployed at the Manjeri Medical College and government hospitals. The services of government doctors were also made available in nearby private hospitals.

Thooval Theeram is located on the Parappanangadi-Tanur municipal border, along the banks of the Kadalundi river estuary where it meets the Arabian Sea at Ottumpuram.