21 People Died As A Result Of Boat Sinking In India, Allegedly There Are Still Victims Trapped

Illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Tony Webster)

JAKARTA - At least 21 people drowned after a ship capsized off the coast of Tanur city in Malappuram District, Kerala State, southern India, local authorities said on Monday.

The incident occurred around 19.00 local time on Sunday. A team from the National Disaster Response Force was on site, a spokesman for the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) told Reuters, as quoted on May 8.

"Very sad about the loss of life as a result of the ship crash in Malappuram, Kerala," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in a tweet.

The boat, which was carrying about 40 passengers, overturned because it was too full, said Abdul Nazar, the junior supervisor of the Mapapuram District police.

It was not immediately clear how many people had died, police station officers said, adding that about 10 passengers were currently being treated in various hospitals. However, many have also been sent home after receiving first aid.

The death toll is likely to increase, as the ship is stuck in muddy waters and is being pulled to save those trapped inside, the Minister of Fisheries and Development of Kerala Port, V. Abdurahiman told reporters.

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

Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Mapapuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved family. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 streets from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each treated: PM @narendramodi