22 dead after tourist boat capsizes in Kerala

At least 22 people, including seven children, were killed when a double-decker boat overturned and sank near a beach in Kerala's Malappuram district Sunday evening, the state government informed, Indian Media reported.

The incident took place around 7 pm near Tuvalthiram Beach in the Tanur area of the district. A case has been registered against the boat's owner for culpable homicide, the police said.

Although the exact number of passengers on the boat is still unknown, 40 were with tickets while many others were without one. The boat reportedly did not have a safety certificate either.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indian Coast Guard personnel are engaged in rescue work. Underwater cameras are being used to track down those who are still missing.

According to the police, the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.