In Kerala’s Malappuram district on Sunday, a houseboat carrying tourists collapsed, killing at least 22 people. The search operations have started, and eight persons are currently hospitalised.
Although the officials are unable to determine the precise number of passengers aboard the boat, they are making the assumption that there were approximately 35 people on the boat when the tragedy occurred.
There were two decks on the boat: a standing deck up top and a seating deck below. Around 7:30 p.m., the incident took place.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to them and announced to offer the relatives of the deceased an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund PMNRF.
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 7, 2023
In a tweet, the PMO said, “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: PM Modi.”
According to sources, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to go to the accident site today.
Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Tanur boat accident in Malappuram. Have directed the District administration to effectively coordinate rescue operations, which are being overseen by Cabinet Ministers. Heartfelt condolences to the grieving families & friends.
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Tanur boat accident in Malappuram. Have directed the District administration to effectively coordinate rescue operations, which are being overseen by Cabinet Ministers. Heartfelt condolences to the grieving families & friends.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) May 7, 2023
The local people, boatmen, the fire department, and police are all helping with the rescue efforts.
The current search and rescue efforts are anticipated to last for a while. The capsized boat is already being towed to shore.
According to authorities, at least ten persons have been admitted to local private and public hospitals.