By Matters India Reporter
Kochi, May 8, 2023: Cardinal George Alencherry joined religious and political leaders to express shock and sadness at a boat tragedy that claimed 22 lives in Kerala.
The tragedy “is extremely painful,” said the cardinal, head of the Syro-Malabar Church based in the southern Indian state.
In his condolence message on May 8, the prelate prayed that God accept the souls of the deceased.
“We share our condolences and sympathize with the families who are grieving the death of their loved ones,” the cardinal said.
He urged government and officials to take necessary steps to ensure that similar tragedies do not recur across the state. “Let the general public also exercise due caution in such situations,” he added.
The tragedy occurred at 7 pm on May 7 when a double-decker tourist boat overturned and sank near Tuvalthiram beach in the Tanur area of Kerala’s Malappuram district. The victims included .seven children.
The Kerala government has ordered a judicial probe into the accident and has announced a compensation of 1 million rupees to the families of the victims.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on May 8 reached Tanur and paid tributes to the dead at a madrasa where the bodies were kept for public homage.
He also visited the government hospital at Tirurangadi and held a review meeting with cabinet colleagues, after which he announced the compensation. The Kerala police will also constitute a special investigation team to probe the incident.
The exact number of passengers on the boat was not known. Only 40 were with tickets. The boat reportedly had no safety certificate either.
According to the police, the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. The police have registered a case against the boat owner, Nazer, under non-bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code. Nazer, an expatriate who recently returned to Tanur, has reportedly gone into hiding after the tragedy.
National Disaster Response Force and Indian Coast Guard personnel joined the rescue operations. Underwater cameras were used to track down those still missing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees to the families of each victim.
“Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of 2 lakh rupees from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted May 7 evening.
Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi mourned the deaths and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured. He urged the Congress workers in the state to assist the authorities in rescue operations.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed Malappuram district collector to carry out an emergency rescue operation. Local people also joined police, fire and health officials in the rescue work.
The Chief Minister also May 8 as a day of mourning with all government events postponed as a mark of respect to the victims.