At least 18 drown as boat capsizes in India

At least 18 people, including children, drowned when a double-decker tourist boat capsized near India’s Tanur town on May 7.

Survivors alleged that the boat was overcrowded and that most of the passengers did not have safety life jackets, the Indian Express reports.

According to local authorities, the boat, operated by a private entrepreneur, did not have permission to enter the waters after dusk but the operators continued the service as there was a heavy rush of visitors.

There were around 35-40 passengers when the boat capsized while making the last trip of the day.

The state government declared an official mourning day on May 8 for the victims and cancelled all official functions for the day.