Cochin

At least 22 people, including children and women, drowned after a double-decker boat ferrying passengers turned turtle and sank in the southern Kerala state on Sunday.

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The incident took place around 7:00pm (local time) near an estuary close to Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area. 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived at Taluk Hospital, Tirurangadi in Malappuram district where survivors were admitted. The district administration noted that 22 people lost their lives. The death toll might rise. 

Around 35-40 passengers were said to be inside the boat when it capsized while making the last trip of the day. 

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PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), said the toll is expected to go up as rescue operations continue.

"It is a very tragic and unfortunate incident," the former minister said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 200,000 (US $2,400 approx.) to the family members 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 from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased," PM Modi was quoted as saying in a tweet by the Prime Minister's Office. 

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Local reports stated that the boat operator did not have permission to enter the water in the night hours, but still continued the service due to the heavy rush of visitors on Sunday evening.

The state government declared official mourning on Monday for the victims and cancelled all official functions for the day.

Vijayan, while condoling the deaths, had earlier directed the district collector to carry out a coordinated emergency rescue operation.

Fire and police units, officials from the Revenue and Health departments and local residents from Tanur and Tirur were involved in the rescue operation, the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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