The death toll in private boat mishap at Pavitra Sangamam went up to 21 on Monday with the rescue teams fishing out more bodies of victims. One of them died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. Four persons including two crew members are still missing and search operation is on, according to authorities.
About 20 tourists are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.
Five persons who are partners in the River Boating and Adventures, the firm which operated the boat, were booked for culpable homicide under section 304 of IPC by the Ibrahimpatnam police. One of the partners is an employee of APTDC.
The operator concerned had earlier signed a MoU with the Tourism department and is permitted to run only two-seater speed boats with the limits within the Bhavani Island.
The Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited the spot and took stock of the situation. Mr. Naidu also spoke to the three local men, Sivaiah, Pitchaiah and Ramanjaneyulu who saved many lives by immediately jumping into action after the boat capsized.
Later Mr. Naidu informed the Assembly that the boat was illegally operated with overloading of passengers. The boat toppled at the confluence of Krishna River and the Polavaram Right Main Canal. Four others including two boatmen were still missing. .
Mr. Naidu announced an ex- gratia of Rs 10 lakh for each of the person who lost their lives and Rs 5 lakh reward to each of the two fishermen who rescued several of the persons from the river at considerable risk to their lives.
The Chief Minister said that a water safety authority would be constituted to issue licenses to boat drivers and monitor the condition of the boats. A committee including an IAS, an IPS officer and few experts would be constituted to make a thorough inquiry into the accident and make a report, Mr Naidu said.
The members of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly condoled the death of the tourists. Search operation by NDRF, SDRF and local boatmen is still going on.