At least 18 persons died and several others are missing after a tourist double-decker boat capsized at Thooval Theeram Ottupuram beach near Tanur in Malappuram district on Sunday, local media reported.
At least six children are among the casualties, MediaOne TV reported. The total number of passengers on the boat during the accident is unclear. Reports suggest there were more tourists than the maximum capacity the boat can hold.
Locals alleged that the boat operators did not follow safety guidelines. The accident happened at 6:30 pm, during the last round of the popular ride.
Rescue operations are currently on by a joint force of the police, revenue, fire and rescue, and health departments.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in an official statement, said direction had been given to the Malappuram district collector for a coordinated rescue effort.
