22 people drown as tourist boat capsizes in Malappuram district of Kerala

The death toll in last evening's boat tragedy near Tanur in Malappuram district has risen to 22. The victims include 15 children and 5 women. 11 persons have been admitted to various hospitals in Malappuram of which the condition of four is said to be serious.

The mishap took place at around seven last evening when a boat carrying tourists capsized near the estuary where Poorappuzha



river joins the Arabian Sea near Tanur. Several families were in the double-decker boat, which was carrying more people above the permissible limit.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the boat tragedy. Mr Vijayan is scheduled to visit Malappuram today.