Malappuram : Owner of “Atlantic” boat that caused deaths of 22 people in Tanur was arrested by police. The accused, identified as Nassar, had gone into hiding soon after the incident.
He was taken into custody from Kochi where he had traveled to meet with lawyer to move plea for anticipatory bail
The Tanur Tragedy
Private cruise boat named “Atlantic” capsized 700 meters from shore in the estuary close to Thooal Theeram at Ottumpuram late Sunday evening around 7:30 pm. 22 including 12 children were drowned to death. 11 passengers were rescued, of whom , 8 are undergoing treatment at MIMS hospital in Kottakkal. A 7-year-old is hospitalised at Kozhikode Medical College. Of the survivors, seven children at MIMS are in critical condition.
It has been determined there were 37 on board at the time of accident. Families from varied parts of Kerala were up cruising on weekend holiday. The vessel is owned by Tanur native Nassar.
According to witness account, the boat sloped to a side and tossed over completely. Another cruise boat that came close behind saw the accident happen. They alerted authorities and started to search for passengers who became submerged under the vessel.
