22 people killed in India tourist boat capsize 

Publish: 5:32 PM, May 8, 2023 | Update: 5:32 PM, May 8, 2023

At least 22 people, including women and children, died when a passenger houseboat overturned and sank in India’s southern state of Kerala on Sunday evening, media reports said.

The incident took place around 7 pm near Tuvalthiram beach in the Tanur area of Malappuram district of the state as a case was registered against the boat’s owner for culpable homicide, reports also said quoting state police. 

The exact number of passengers on the boat is still unknown, although 40 were with tickets, NDTV reported, saying many others were without tickets. 

The boat reportedly did not have a safety certificate either, it said. 

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indian Coast Guard personnel are engaged in the rescue work. 

Underwater cameras are being used to track down the missing passengers.

Leaders across the political spectrum expressed their shock and sadness at the tragic incident. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the accident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the family of victims.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed shock at the loss of lives and directed the Malappuram District Collector to carry out a coordinated emergency rescue operation.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep shock at the tragic accident. 

Those taken out of the water were admitted to nearby private and government hospitals, reports said. 

The exact cause of the accident was not known immediately, it added.