India: 21 people killed as tourist boat capsizes in Kerala

At least 21 people were killed after a tourist boat capsized in Kerala on Sunday, according to local media reports.

The accident at Thooval Theeram, near Tanur in Malappuram district, occurred after 7pm on Sunday, said V Abdul Rahman, Minister for Fisheries and Harbour Development. Reports also said the deceased included many children.

According to local residents, the boat left the shore by 7pm and overturned after moving up to 300 metres. It went upside down within minutes, trapping many people inside the lower deck. The boat, which had a capacity of 22, was carrying more than 40 people, said a passenger who managed to swim to the shore. However, the total number of passengers are not confirmed and officials said they feared that some people might be still missing. Rescue operations are continuing even after midnight.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs200,000 ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased. He also expressed condolences to the bereaved families. "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 would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.

Rescue workers managed to drag the boat to the shore by the midnight. State minister Ahammed Devarkovil told local media that the tourist boat was conducting services without a licence.

President Droupadi Murmu said the accident was shocking. "The tragic loss of lives in the boat mishap at Malappuram, Kerala is extremely shocking and saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I pray for well-being of the survivors," she tweeted.

• Saudi Arabia: Three children drown amid torrential rains in country