In the Kerala boat tragedy, the death toll has risen to as many as 22 victims after a double-decker boat capsized due to overcrowding and alleged flouting of multiple rules.

The mishap took place earlier on Sunday near Tuvalthiram beach in the Tanur area of Malappuram, Kerala. While the state government has initiated an investigation in the matter, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs to the kins of the victims.

Tragedy struck at the scenic Purapuzha River in Thooval Theeram tourist spot in Kerala as a recreational boat, carrying 40 passengers, capsized on Sunday. It has been alleged that the driver of the boat, Nasar converted a fishing boat for tourist services, without obtaining a fitness certificate issued for tourist boats. The boat was overcrowded, and there were no life jackets on board, further compounding the tragedy.

According to reports, boats are not permitted to take tourists for rides after 6, but even this rule was violated.

The passengers, mostly hailing from the Parappanangadi and Tanur regions in Malappuram district, were out for a day of leisure and pleasure, enjoying the scenic beauty of the estuary of river Poorapuzha. But their joy was short-lived, as the boat, unable to bear the weight of the passengers, slid towards one side and capsized, 300 meters away from the shore.

Contents hide
1. The Facts of the Matter
2. Boat Owner Absconding
3. Passengers on Lower Deck Remained Trapped
4. Rescue Operation Delayed
5. PM Modi Announced Rs 2 Lakhs Ex-Gratia

The Facts of the Matter

It was supposed to be a day of fun and relaxation as 40 passengers boarded a recreational boat in Kerala’s picturesque Purapuzha River on Sunday.

Little did they know that their joy ride would turn into a nightmare as the boat capsized, sending them into the murky waters below. As of Monday morning, the death toll had risen to 22, with hopes of finding more survivors diminishing by the minute.

Boat Owner Absconding

The boat owner, Nasar, who is accused of converting a fishing boat for tourist services without obtaining a fitness certificate, is currently on the run from the authorities. His absence has only added to the grief and anger of the bereaved families, who were later informed that boat rides are not permitted to be taken out after 6 pm.

Passengers on Lower Deck Remained Trapped

The boat was overcrowded, and there were no life jackets on board, as the passengers, mainly from the Parappanangadi and Tanur regions in Malappuram district, set out to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river.

As the boat slid towards one side, it capsized, leaving those onboard in a perilous situation. Chaos ensued as passengers on the upper deck managed to escape, while those on the lower deck were trapped inside.

Rescue Operation Delayed

As per reports, the rescue operations were delayed due to narrow roads and lack of lights. It was only later in the night that a team of NDRF from Thrissur arrived to aid in the rescue operations.

Preliminary investigation into the matter suggested the absence of life jackets, overcrowding, and absence of a fitness certificate issued for tourist boats have led to this catastrophic event.

PM Modi Announced Rs 2 Lakhs Ex-Gratia

As the night wore on, condolences poured in from all over the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who tweeted that he was “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”.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also expressed his grief and directed the district administration to effectively coordinate rescue operations, which were overseen by Cabinet ministers.

The state government declared a day of mourning and cancelled all official events as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the accident.

 

Follow Us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Flipboard | Google News