KOCHI: The first edition of the Konothupuzha boat race at Udyamperoor turned tragic as a participating boat capsized, leaving one person missing.
Saiju, 37, of Puttupurackal in South Paravur went missing and the Fire and Rescue Services personnel continued their search till late in the night. According to the Udyamperoor police, the country boat taking part in the boat race capsized after it crossed the finishing point. The crew members were rescued by the Fire and Rescue Services scuba diving team.
"Saiju did not know swimming properly. Only after rescuing other crew members did we come to know he was missing," said a police officer. The boat race was stopped after the incident.
While more scuba units of the Fire and Rescue Services arrived at the accident spot, local residents also assisted in the rescue operations.
The incident happened despite the safety arrangements in place, and police and Fire and Rescue Services deployed there. Udyamperoor CPI mandalam secretary P V Chandrabose said instructions was given to the public not to venture into the water. The boat race was organised to observe the anniversary of the cleaning up of the Konothupuzha river last year.
The river cleaning-drive, a CPI initiative, was welcomed and much appreciated by local residents. CPI leaders decided to conduct the boat race as an annual celebration to involve public participation in keeping the river clean.