IN PHOTOS | Kerala: Several tourists dead as boat collapses near Thoovaltheeram beach in Malappuram

Over twenty people, including women and children, were killed when a houseboat with more than 30 passengers on board capsized and sank near the Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area of Kerala's Malappuram district on May 7.

Over twenty people, including women and children, were killed when a houseboat with more than 30 passengers on board capsized and sank near the Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area of Kerala's Malappuram district on May 7. (Photo | PTI) 

Many of those who died on the double-decker boat were women and children who had come for a ride amid the ongoing school vacations. (Photo | Express)

The incident occurred around 7 pm near the estuary of Poorappuzha River close to the Thoovaltheeram beach in Tanur. (Photo | Express)

PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), said overcrowding is believed to have been the reason behind the vessel capsizing. Boats are not supposed to go out for rides after 6 pm but it is believed that the rule was violated in this case, he added. (Photo | Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each victim. (Photo | Express)

A search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and rescue teams is underway. The Navy has come forward to help. The Coast Guard arrived yesterday. A second team of NDRF has arrived today. (Photo | Express)

A visual from Sunday night's boat tragedy in Malappuram, Kerala. (Photo | Express)

A visual from Sunday night's boat tragedy in Malappuram, Kerala. (Photo | AP)

A visual from Sunday night's boat tragedy in Malappuram, Kerala. (Photo | AP)

Kerala Health Minister Veena George convened an emergency meeting of the State Health Department at midnight following the incident and directed the officials to ensure better treatment for the injured and the speeding up of the post-mortem process. (Photo | Express)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in the boat capsize incident and ordered the effective coordination of rescue operations. 'Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Tanur boat accident in Malappuram. Have directed the District administration to effectively coordinate rescue operations, which are being overseen by Cabinet Ministers. Heartfelt condolences to the grieving families & friends' Vijayan said in a tweet. (Photo | AP)

Monday (May 9) has been declared a day of official mourning and all government programmes stand postponed as a mark of respect to the victims. (Photo | AP)

Boating accidents are common in India, where many vessels are overcrowded and have inadequate safety equipment. (Photo | AP)

The death toll from Sunday night's boat tragedy in Malappuram, Kerala, is expected to go up with the recovery of more bodies. (Photo | AP)

Locals engaged in rescue work alongside officials at the site of Sunday night's boat tragedy in Malappuram, Kerala. (Photo | AP)

The post-mortems will be conducted at Tirur, Thirurangadi, Perinthalmanna hospitals and Mancheri Medical College by bringing sufficient staff, including doctors, from districts such as Thrissur and Kozhikode. (Photo | AP)