22 killed in Tamil Nadu boat mishap

Officials confirmed deaths of 22 people after a boat they were traveling in overturned in the famous Pulicat Lake in Tamil Nadu, about 60 kilometers north from the city.

The 22 people who died included a man, 17 women and two children. Apparently, they were all relatives of a hotel owner in Gummidipoondi town and had gone for a boat ride in the lake to celebrate their Christmas break.

However, three people were saved by local fishermen who were the first ones to reach at the tragedy site.

On the other hand, the boat driver and his wife , identified as Ansari and Nazira Banu respectively, drowned.

Rescue service workers along with local fishermen carried out search operations in the area. Some of the bodies including those of boat driver and his wife have been recovered.

Reports suggest that the accident happened after the victims grossed out due to strong currents and winds. The area where the boat was operating had been prohibited for trips.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa appointed Dairy Development Minister V Murthy and Environment Minister BV Ramana to look after the search operation.

At the same time, she expressed her condolences to the kith and kin of the victims and announced a compensation of one lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the families of the deceased.

Governor K Rosaiah too expressed grief over the incident and conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved members of the family.