Boat involved in Tanur accident was a modified fishing boat, murder case registered against absconding owner, search underway

MALAPPURAM: The police have registered a case under the non-bailable section against Nazar Pattarakath from Tanur, the owner of the tourist boat that met with the accident. A murder case has been registered against him. He is absconding. The boat involved in the accident has the license of inland navigation and ports department. However, people including the fishermen engaged in rescue operations said that this boat was a fishing boat that has been modified at an unauthorized yard in Ponnani. It is also reported that the Alappuzha Port Chief Surveyor conducted a boat survey last month and issued a fitness certificate. The boat operated service even before the registration process was completed. Not only that, operating service even after the scheduled time also led to the accident.

23 people including women and children died in the Tanur accident. Ten are still undergoing treatment and seven of them are in a critical condition. The NDRF and fire force teams are divided into five teams and are searching the spot. It is reported that the strong undercurrent is posing a challenge. Divers are also there. A 21-member NDRF team is in the spot.

The accident happed on Sunday at 7 pm in the evening at Ottumpuram Thoovaltheeram between Tanur and Parappanangadi. Unconfirmed reports said one among the dead is a cop.

The victims were those who were on their last trip from the coast. The locals said that although the boat service was allowed only till 6 pm, operated service at 7 pm violating that. Darkness hampered rescue operations.

The local people and fishermen carried out the rescue operation in small boats in the beginning. Rescue operations hampered as the boat capsized and then got stuck in a muddy area. People gathering at the spot also created problems. The boat, which was upside down, was lifted after a great effort.