Kerala government orders judicial probe into tourist boat tragedy

Aday after the tragic tourist boat accident that claimed the lives of 22 people, Kerala government on Monday announced a judicial probe into the matter and decided to give a compensation of Rs ten lakh to the kin of the deceased.

Photo Credit: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan arrives at Taluk Hospital, Tirurangadi in Malappuram district where survivors of the incident are admitted. Image courtesy: ANI

"A comprehensive judicial enquiry will be conducted into the boat accident. Rs 10 lakhs compensation for the dependents of deceased persons. Government will bear the treatment expenses of the injured people. A special team of police will also investigate the incident," said a statement from Kerela chief minister's office.

The tragic incident occurred around 7 pm on Sunday near an estuary close to the Thoovaltheeram beach in Tanur.

Earlier, PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), said overcrowding is believed to have been the reason behind the vessel capsizing. Boats are not supposed to go out for rides after 6 pm but it is believed that the rule was violated in this case, he told PTI.

According to reports, the boat was carrying passengers without a safety certificate which is mandatory for tourist boats. The passengers who boarded the boat were not wearing life jackets and no safety measures were taken.

Health Minister Veena George called an emergency meeting following the accident to assess the situation, the state government said. George instructed that expert treatment be ensured for the injured and the post-mortem process sped up so that the bodies can be released quickly to the next of kin, the statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each victim.

"Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased," tweeted the Prime Minister's Office.