22 Dead After Tourist Boat Overcrowded With Passengers Capsizes in India’s Kerala State

At least 22 people have lost their lives in a tragic incident that occurred on Sunday night, as a packed tourist boat capsized in India’s southern Kerala state. The double-decker boat was carrying approximately 50 people, double its capacity, when it overturned due to overcrowding, according to Abdul Nazar, junior superintendent of police of Malappuram district. Rescue efforts are currently underway, but the death toll could rise as the vessel is pulled from the muddy waters.

The police have registered a case of culpable homicide against the boat’s owner, who is reportedly absconding. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Twitter, stating he was “pained by the loss of lives”. Many passengers, including women and children on school holiday, were trapped under the boat, and the darkness hampered rescue efforts. Several passengers were also not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident and whether the boat had a proper permit. Boat accidents are not uncommon in India due to overcrowding, poor maintenance, and lack of safety equipment.