The state government of Kerala ordered a judicial investigation into the boat catastrophe that claimed the lives of 22 people, including seven children. A tourist boat with two levels capsized on Sunday night in the Tanur region of the district, close to Thooval Theeram beach. Police officials believe that overcrowding may have contributed to the tragedy, despite the fact that the precise number of passengers onboard is yet unknown. It is estimated that the boat was carrying at least 30 to 40 people.
Additionally, it has been reported that the boat was once a fishing vessel that the owner changed to provide tourist services but did not have the fitness certificate required for tourist boats. Only two evacuation doors and glass windows on the boat made it challenging for passengers to go to safety. The boat’s operators insisted that more passengers join the tour despite indications that it was tipping to one side and the fact that it was already more crowded than its 20-person maximum.
The boat’s owner is currently missing, and authorities have filed a culpable homicide case against him. The relatives of the fatalities will receive 10 lakh apiece in compensation, and Monday will be a day of sorrow, according to the state administration. In remembrance of those who perished in the disaster, all formal events have been postponed.
Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala, has also said that the government will look into whether the boat operator adhered to the safety regulations for tourist boats. VD Satheesan, the leader of the opposition, has called for an investigation into the “man-made accident,” while PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA for the Indian Union Muslim League, has claimed that the boat broke the law prohibiting vessels from operating after 6 o’clock.
After the National Disaster Response Force and Indian Coast Guard personnel have completed their rescue efforts, the accident’s investigation will get under way. The tragedy has brought attention to the need for tougher laws to protect tourists’ safety and stop similar mishaps from happening in the future.