Malappuram: The death toll in the boat tragedy reported on Sunday evening near Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area of Kerala's Malappuram district rose to 22, officials said on Monday. Fifteen of the deceased are identified among whom 11 were from the same family, said Sports Minister V Abdurahiman and added that seven of 11 people rescued were said to be critical. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who met the kin of the the deceased, announced ex-gratia of 10 lakhs to the families of the deceased.
As suggested by Kerala Health Minister Veena George, the post-mortem process began at 6 am to help release the bodies quickly to the next of kin. The post-mortems were being conducted at Tirur, Thirurangadi, Perinthalmanna hospitals and Mancheri Medical College by bringing sufficient staff from districts such as Thrissur and Kozhikode, a statement issued by the state government said.
Abdurahiman, who is coordinating the rescue operations along with Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said, "More victims are believed to be trapped under the boat and have to be brought out. The boat had overturned. The reason for it is not yet known. The police will investigate it."
CM visits victims kin-Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has met the kin of the the deceased in tragedy. According to the latest information, the bodies of the deceased are being cremated. Vijayan directed the district collector to carry out a coordinated emergency rescue operation. His government has announced an official mourning day as well. Revenue officials, Health officials, personnel from fire and police units, and local residents from Tanur and Tirur were involved in the rescue operation.
Ex-gratia from PM-Prime Minister Narendra Modi who condoled the deaths announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the family members 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," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.
Rahul condolence-Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi offered condolences to the bereaved families. "Distraught by the news of a boat capsizing in Malappuram, Kerala. My heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones, and wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured. I appeal to Congress workers to assist authorities in rescue operations," he said in a tweet.
Safety measures-The police have started an investigation into the incident and they suspect that the boat involved in the accident did not have the necessary safety measures. It is reported that the rescue operation was hampered due to absence of adequate light. PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), said: "It is a very tragic and unfortunate incident. Overcrowding is believed to have been the reason behind the vessel capsizing. Boats are not supposed to go out for rides after 6 pm but it is believed that the rule was violated in this case." The incident occurred around 7 pm near an estuary close to the Thoovaltheeram beach in Tanur.
