At least 22 people have died and seven are in critical condition after a tourist boat carrying over 30 passengers capsized and sank in the Indian state of Kerala. The incident occurred in Malappuram district on Sunday. Police have reportedly launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The state's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced financial assistance of INR 200,000 (around $2,700) for their next of kin. Police in Malappuram have said that they will investigate the cause of the boat accident that left at least 15 people dead, once rescue operations are complete. While overcrowding is suspected to be a possible reason for the accident, police cannot confirm this theory at present. Nazar, the owner of the boat, has been missing since the accident occurred and is now being sought by police.
Kerala boat capsized: Judicial probe ordered as Vijayan announces Rs 10 lakh as ex-gratia
