Kerala: 18 Dead After Boat Carrying Several People Capsizes In Malappuram, PM Modi Announces Rs 2L Ex-Gratia

Kerala Boat Tragedy: A tourist boat capsized near Tanur in the Malappuram district, killing at least eighteen people. Rescue operations are underway.

At least fifteen people were killed when a tourist boat capsized near Tanur in Malappuram district. (Representational Image)

Source : Getty

At least 18 people died after a houseboat, which was ferrying tourists capsized on Sunday in Kerala's Malappuram district, news agency ANI reported. 

#UPDATE | Kerala: Death toll rises to 18 in an accident where a tourist boat capsized near Tanur in Malappuram district: Kerala Minister Abdul V Rahman

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2023

The accident happened at Thooval Theeram Tourist in Thanoor of the Malappuram district around 7 in the evening. Six people have reportedly been rescued so far, news 18 reported citing sources. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of the deceased and announced a Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

The PMO said in a tweet, "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 Modi".

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

Mohammed Riyas, the Kerala Tourism Minister, reportedly left Kozhikode for the scene of the incident.

As per the reports, the rescue is currently being assisted by locals, police officers, revenue units, and the fire department. 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is expected to visit the accident site on Monday, according to reports.

The search and rescue operations are still currently underway and are expected to last for some time. Attempts are being made to tow the capsized boat to shore.

According to police, at least ten people have been admitted to nearby private and government hospitals, news agency PTI reported. The exact cause of the accident is unknown at this time, police added.