At least 22 folks have died after a packed vacationer boat capsized in India’s southern Kerala state.

The dying toll may rise as rescue efforts are below method on Monday and the vessel is pulled from muddy waters.

Overcrowding induced the double-decker boat to capsize, Abdul Nazar, junior superintendent of police of Malappuram district, advised Reuters.

The boat was reportedly carrying about 50 folks, or double its capability, when it overturned on Sunday night time.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on Twitter, saying he was “pained by the loss of lives”.

Many passengers have been trapped below the boat and the darkness held again rescue efforts, in line with native media. The casualties included girls and kids on faculty vacation.

At least 4 individuals who have been taken to hospital are in essential situation, mentioned Kerala’s sports activities and fisheries minister, V Abdurahiman.

The precise variety of lacking passengers was not instantly clear. Authorities mentioned they’re investigating the reason for the mishap.

Shameer, a lifeguard concerned within the rescue operation, advised Mathrubhumi news channel that “the boat was completely upside down” when rescuers arrived on the scene. “I recovered four bodies and none of them had life jackets on.”

Many of the opposite passengers have been additionally not sporting life jackets on the time of the incident, survivors advised native media.

Ambika, a resident of the close by Tanur space, told Manorama news channel that when she first noticed the boat method, everybody gave the impression to be “cheering happily”.

“But suddenly the lights went out, the boat sank and the cheers were replaced with screams for help,” she mentioned.

Ms Ambika added that she instantly known as the police for assist. “But we could not do anything beyond that because it was getting dark and there was no way to reach the passengers.”