Authorities have confirmed that a boat capsized in southern India killing at least 22 people, including children.
The double-decker vessel carrying more than thirty passengers overturned near the coastal city of Tanur, in the Malappuram District of Kerala State.
When the police got involved in an incident at 7pm on Sunday, they believe that it was due to overcrowding.
Four of the 10 passengers in critical condition were treated at hospital.
Officials have expressed concern that people may still be missing.
The majority of passengers are tourists.
V Abdurahiman, Kerala’s Sports Minister, said that among the dead were children who came to ride on a boat during their holidays.
The minister said that the boat had become stuck in the muddiest waters, and they were trying to get it out.
He told Press Trust of India that the boat was being hauled to shore and more bodies were expected inside.
Kerala State Disaster Management Authority said that a team of the National Disaster Response Force had been at the scene. Indian Coast Guard also participated in the rescue operation.
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Local media reported that Monday was declared an official day of mourning.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweet: “Pained at the loss of life due to the boat accident in Malappuram (Kerala).
He also announced that compensation would be paid to the families of victims.
In India, boating accidents are frequent because many boats are overcrowded and lack safety equipment.
Twelve people drowned in September 2020 when a sightseeing vessel capsized on a swollen Godavari River, located in southern Andhra Pradesh.
In May 2018, 30 people were killed when a boat capsized near the same area.
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