Overcrowded tourist boat capsizes off Adamans coast

ANDAMANS: An overcrowded tourist capsized killing at least 21persons. The unfortunate incident occurred here in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday. Two passengers were

missing and 23 persons were rescued. The boat sank on its way from Ross Island to the North Bay around 4pm, said P Johar, deputy commissioner of South Andaman district.

Sources in the district administration said the boat had a capacity to carry 25 people. It was
carrying 46 people comprising tourists from Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu and Mumbai as well as crew members.

Boat capsize incidents take a big toll on India every year, raising questions over security measures while bringing to fore non-compliance with guidelines.

The civil administration and defence establishments like the Coast Guard carried out the rescue operations on Sunday. Efforts were on to trace the whereabouts of the two missing, the sources said.

As is the norm Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed shock over the boat tragedy
in the Andamans and has condoled the loss of lives, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt Gen (Retd) AK Singh, announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 1 lakh each to the families of the victims and this amount of compensation has been in effect for years together with no consideration for nflation.

Singh also spoke to Union home minister Sushil kumar Shinde and briefed him on the rescue operations, which he ordered after the accident.

The rescued persons were admitted to GB Pant Hospital in Port Blair. The bodies were also taken there for post-mortem, the sources added.

A general investigation has been ordered. Helpline numbers set up at the district control room are: 1070, 03192-240127/230178/238881. Those in the GB Pant Hospital are: 03192-230629/9933274092. The local helpline number is 102.