It is unclear what caused the boat to capsize, but police believe the vessel was overcrowded on Sunday evening when it encountered difficulty.
Authorities report that a boat capsized in southern India, killing at least 22 persons, including children.
The vessel transporting more than thirty passengers capsized off a beach near the coastal town of Tanur in the Malappuram district of the state of Kerala.
Sunday evening at approximately 7:00 p.m. local time, the police believe it was overloaded.
Local media report that a criminal case has been filed against the boat’s proprietor, Nazar Pattarakath of Tanur.
Four of the approximately 10 passengers transported to the hospital were in critical condition.
Officials expressed concern that some individuals may still be missing.
The majority of passengers were visitors.
V Abdurahiman, Kerala’s sports minister, stated that among the deceased were students who had boarded the boat during their school break.
The minister informed reporters that efforts were being made to extricate the boat from the murky waters.
“The boat is being hauled ashore, and more bodies are expected to be recovered from inside,” he told the Press Trust of India news agency.
A team from the National Disaster Response Force was present, according to a spokesperson for the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. The Indian Coast Guard also participated in the rescue effort.
Monday has been designated as a day of official mourning, according to reports from local media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the loss of life in the Malappuram, Kerala, boating accident.”
In addition, he announced recompense for the victims’ families.
In India, where many vessels are overcrowded and lack adequate safety apparatus, boating accidents are common.
Twelve people died in September 2020 when a sightseeing boat capsized on the flooded Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh.
In May 2018, 30 persons perished in the same region when a boat capsized.
