Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the Taluk Hospital in Tirurangadi in Malappuram district on Monday to visit the survivors of the boat capsize incident near Tanur coast.
The Kerala government has also ordered a judicial investigation into the incident. CM Vijayan announced Rs. 10 lakh in compensation to the families of the deceased. The government also said that it would bear the treatment expenses of the survivors.
Kerala Boat Capsize Incident
On Sunday, May 7, 22 people, including a police officer, were killed when an overloaded double-decker tourist boat capsized at Parappanangadi.
The Kerala Revenue Minister confirmed that 22 people have died so far; 10 were admitted to different hospitals, and five were confirmed to have swum in. The search operations team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and rescue teams have identified 37 people so far.
The Revenue Minister said that the exact number of people who travelled on the boat could not be recorded, but he hoped there would be no more.
However, search and rescue operations are ongoing by the NDRF, fire and rescue, and scuba teams. The Navy has also come forward to help. The coast guard also arrived at the spot, and a second NDRF team is also expected to arrive.
Malappuram District Collector, VR Prem Kumar, said that the search and rescue operations are in full swing. They are also in constant touch with the hospital authorities. The district collector also expressed the government’s gratitude to the local fishermen who volunteered in the search and rescue operation.
The Navy personnel have also reached the spot to assist with the search and rescue operation. A 21-member NDRF team and fire force started another rescue operation early on Monday. A police officer was found among the deceased.
Autopsy of all the deceased was completed, and the bodies were handed over to their respective families. Postpartum was conducted at Thirurangadi, Perunthalmanna Hospitals, Mancheri Medical College, and private hospitals.
Chief Minister Vijayan offered condolences for the lives lost in the boat capsize incident and called for effective coordination of the search and rescue operation.
PM Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Suggested Reading: Tourist Boat Negligence Kills 22: Why India Needs Strict Safety Policies For Adventure Sports