New Delhi (India), May 8, 2023: A tragic tourist boat accident near Thoovaltheeram beach in Kerala has claimed the lives of 22 people, with eight others undergoing treatment in various hospitals. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when the boat, which was carrying more than 30 passengers, capsized near an estuary close to the beach in Tanur.
The National Disaster Response Force and Indian Coast Guard teams have rushed to the spot and are conducting a search operation for the missing persons. The bodies of all 22 deceased have been identified, according to senior district officials. The exact number of passengers aboard the capsized vessel is yet to be determined.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan are scheduled to visit the accident site, where rescue operations are being coordinated by ministers P A Mohammed Riyas and V Abdurahiman. The state government has declared a day of mourning and canceled all official events as a mark of respect for the victims.
