In India’s southern Kerala state, a crowded tourist boat capsized, killing at least 22 passengers.
As rescue operations begin on Monday and the vessel is dragged from murky waters, the death toll could increase.
According to Abdul Nazar, junior superintendent of police for the Malappuram district, the double-decker boat capsized due to overcrowding.
When the boat capsized on Sunday night, it was reportedly carrying 50 people, or twice its capacity.
Using the hashtag #sympathies, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “pained by the loss of lives” and offered his condolences.
The boat had many stranded people, and rescue efforts were hampered by the darkness. Women and children who were on vacation from school were among the victims.