Kerala Boat Tragedy: CM Pinarayi Vijayan Announces Rs 10 Lakh Ex Gratia for Victims’ Families, Judicial Investigation Ordered

GG News Bureau

Malappuram, 8th May. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid a visit to the Taluk Hospital in Tirurangadi in Malappuram district on Monday, where survivors of a boat capsize near the Tanur coast a day earlier were being treated.

The Kerala government has also ordered a judicial investigation into the incident. The chief minister offered a Rs 10 lakh compensation to the victims’ families and stated that the government will cover the injured people’s medical expenses.

On Sunday (May 7), an overloaded double-decker tourist boat capsized at Parappanangadi, killing 22 persons, including a police officer.

Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan stated earlier today that 22 people have died due to boat capsize.

The minister stated that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and rescue personnel are conducting a search and rescue operation.

“37 people have been identified. 22 people died. 10 people have been identified in different hospitals. Five people were confirmed to have swum in. A total of 37 people were identified,” said the State minister.

“The exact number of people who travelled on the boat could not be recorded. Let there be no more,” he said.

“However, all searches are ongoing. NDRF, fire and rescue and scuba team are conducting the searches. The Navy’s team has also come forward. The Coast Guard arrived yesterday. Only other help will be received from them. A second team of NDRF will also arrive here,” the minister said.

Malappuram District Collector, VR Prem Kumar said that rescue operations are in full swing.

“Rescue operations are in full swing. We are in constant touch with the hospital authorities. The district administration has alerted all the departments since the incident happened. We are grateful to the local fishermen who volunteered in this search operation,” said the district collector.