According to police, a tourist boat capsized at Ottumpuram-Thooval Theerum beach in the estuary of Koorapuzha river near Tanur on Sunday, resulting in the death of at least 22 people, including seven children.
Ten individuals were also injured in the incident. Local residents, led by fishermen, rescued ten passengers within 10 minutes of the incident, while police suspected that one more person was missing, prompting a search operation by Navy, NDRF, Fire and Rescue teams, and local fishermen.
The police have registered a non-bailable case against the boat owner, Nazar of Tanur, who has absconded following the incident. Post-mortem examinations were conducted at five government hospitals in Tanur, Thirurangadi, Manjeri, and Parappanangadi, while four seriously injured children were admitted to a private hospital in Kottakkal.
The district administration, along with Ministers PA Muhammed Riyas, Rajan, V Abdurahiman, Saseedharan A K, and Ahamed Devarkovil, was overseeing rescue operations and medical arrangements for the injured at various hospitals.