Two persons died and another went missing after Chennithala Palliyodam (snakeboat) capsized in the Achencoil river at Valiyaperumbuzha Kadavu, near Mannar, in Alappuzha on Saturday.
The deceased were identified as Adithyan (17) of Chennithala and Vineesh (37) of Cherukolpuzha. Their bodies were recovered by scuba divers of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services. The missing person was identified as Rajesh.
According to eyewitness accounts, the palliyodam was conducting a procession on the river before its scheduled departure to Aranmula to participate in the Aranmula Uthrittathi boat race when it overturned around 8.30 a.m. "The palliyodam was scheduled to leave for Aranmula at 8.50 a.m. Prior to the departure, as per custom, it went on a procession. Besides the oarsmen, other people were on the vessel when it sank. Most of the people who fell into the water swam to safety," said a local resident.
Chengannur Deputy Superintendent of Police R. Jose said a search was on for the missing person. "As per initial reports, four persons went missing after the boat capsized. However, one of the missing persons has returned safely. We have retrieved two bodies from the river and a search is on for the third person," Mr. Jose said, adding that the palliyodam was not overloaded.
There were around 50 people on the vessel when it capsized. The Aranmula boat race is scheduled to take place on the Pampa river near the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy temple in Pathanamthitta district on Sunday.
District Collector V.R. Krishna Teja has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Chengannur Revenue Divisional Officer Suma has been asked to investigate the cause of the accident and she is expected to submit a detailed report in seven days.
