Post-mortem procedures of boat victims completed; search for missing continues

MALAPPURAM: Reports said the death toll rose to 23 after the tourist boat overturned at Ottumpuram Thoovaltheeram between Tanur and Parappanangadi. Seven children were among the dead. Nine of the injured are undergoing treatment and the condition of four is stated to be serious. The were more than 50 people in the boat which could carry only 24. The post-mortem procedures of those dead have been completed.

A search is on to trace a missing child as informed by the relatives. The search is being conducted by the NDRF and the fire force. Navy has also arrived. Have also sought the help of the coastguard. There is no clarity on how many people were in the boat. Reports said tickets were issued to 39 people excluding children.

The accident happened on Sunday at 7 pm. Boat owner Nazar of Tanur is absconding. A case has been registered against him for murder. It is reported that the boat was not fit enough for recreational travel. The fishing boat was modified and used as a tourist boat.

Chief Secretary V P Joy informed that all official programmes scheduled for today have been cancelled as part of mourning. Taluk adalats have also been postponed. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Minister Antony Raju have reached the accident spot. Opposition leader V D Satheesan will also visit the disaster site today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on the accident.