Indian passenger boat capsizes

Police in India say at least 50 people have drowned after a passenger boat capsized in a lake in the southern state of Kerala.

The boat was carrying about 100 passengers, many of them on their way to sit a government recruitment exam.

Officials say the number of dead is expected to rise as only a few passengers were rescued by fishermen or managed to swim ashore.

The boat was travelling from Muhama to Kumarakom, around 80 kilometres from the port city of Cochin.

Officials said the accident appeared to be caused by overcrowding.


		This article was reproduced with the kind permission of the British Broadcasting Corporation

See Also FireNet (Marine) Lloyd's Register (LR) International Maritime Organization	Saturday, 27 July, 2002, 08:10 GMT 09:10 UK Indian passenger boat capsizes Police in India say at least 50 people have drowned after a passenger boat capsized in a lake in the southern state of Kerala. The boat was carrying about 100 passengers, many of them on their way to sit a government recruitment exam. Officials say the number of dead is expected to rise as only a few passengers were rescued by fishermen or managed to swim ashore. The boat was travelling from Muhama to Kumarakom, around 80 kilometres from the port city of Cochin. Officials said the accident appeared to be caused by overcrowding.