Mallapuram: 21 people have died and several others are missing after a tourist boat capsized at Thooval Theeram Ottupuram beach near Tanur in Malappuram district, Kerala on Sunday. The incident happened late in the evening.

According to media reports, a joint rescue operation by police, revenue, fire and rescue and health departments was carried out until late night. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan instructed the Malappuram district collector to coordinate the rescue effort. 

Shafiq, a youngster who swam to safety, stated that there were around 40 to 50 people onboard the double-decker boat. Many families, including small children, were on board and was returning from a sightseeing trip. Shafiq also reported that the children in the lower deck were stuck.

Several people are reported to be missing, and many of the rescued individuals are in critical condition. Locals claim that the boat was overcrowded and lacked adequate life-saving equipment. PP Mustafa, a Councilor of Tanur Municipality, stated that recreational boat services are allowed to operate only until 5 pm.

کیرالہ کے تنور بیچ پربوٹ اُلٹ گئی؛ 21 جاں بحق، کئی لاپتہ

The deceased have been identified as Tanur Olapeetikal Kattilpityekal Siddique (41), Fatima Minha (12), Faizan (three), Jalsia (Kunhimmu–40), wife of Parappanangadi Avil Beach Kunummal Jabir, Safla (seven), Hasna (18), and Afalah (seven), children of Seithalavi from Parappanangadi Kunummal, Anshid (10) from Perinthalmanna Pathalkad, Mudayambilakal Safaruddin (38), CPO of Tanur Police Station, Shamna (17), daughter of Parappanangady Kunnummal Seithalavi, Hadi Fatima (seven), daughter of Machingal Nihas, and Sarah (nine), daughter of Param. Panangadi Kunummal Siraj.

The incident occurred on a crowded beach during a Sunday holiday.