Kerala boat capsize: grave security lapses repeated?

New Delhi: After an ill-fated tourist boat sank in Kerala’s Malappuram district on Sunday, killing 22 people, including seven children, the accident point towards the rampant flouting of security rules and regulations that still prevail. What should be noticed is similar lapses are a repetition of similar incidents from past and the public is not aware or not giving care to security mandatory measures.

Police informed that there were multiple rules broken, including overcrowding, lack of security measures etc.

As per reports, the double-decker boat was overcrowded, with over 40 people onboard when its capacity was around 25. The passengers were not given life jackets, and the boat was not issued with a safety certificate. Further, the boat was in the waters late in the evening on the day when there was a ban on boat rides post-suns-set.

Police informed that a case had been registered against the owner of the boat, who has been missing since the incident. The person has been charged with culpable homicide.

The mishap occurred around 7:30 pm at Ottumpuram Beach of Tanur, and the boat sank completely. Those inside the boat included women and children. Since the day was a weekend, the beach was crowded, and it was those who present there made the initial rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, search operations are still going on for those who are missing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh each as compensation to the families of each victim.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced a day of mourning, marking respect to those lost lives.