Police in the Indian state of Kerala have reported the deaths of 21 people in a tourist boat capsized.
According to the ANI news agency, a law enforcement source in the region confirmed that 21 bodies had been found at the time news of the incident was released. Authorities continue to search for the dead and survivors.
Rescuers have launched an extensive operation at the scene. State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that against the backdrop of the tragedy, emergency services should be coordinated as effectively as possible.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the relatives of the victims and announced the payment of compensation of $24,400 to each close relative of the shipwreck victims.