NEW DELHI, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and several others injured after a boat carrying them capsized in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, officials said Monday.
The boat capsized on Sunday evening off the coast in Thoothukudi district, about 608 km south of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
"Today, the death toll in boat tragedy has risen to 10 and several people who were rescued in injured condition are undergoing treatment," an official said. "The victims were tourists who had set off into the sea near Tuticorin district."
The Indian Coast Guard officials who carried out the rescue operation told the media that the boat was carrying 42 tourists when it capsized in the sea.
"A total of 42 tourists were reported to be on board, out of whom 32 were rescued," said a statement issued by the Coast Guard on Monday. "Ten bodies have been recovered including a 12-year-old girl."
Police said they have registered a case against the boat driver and owner for "causing death due to negligence."
Reports said the boat was overcrowded and there were no safety equipments on board for passengers.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has condoled the tragic accident and announced a monetary relief for families who lost their members in the tragedy.
Last month, 18 people were killed when a boat capsized in river Ganga in the eastern state of Bihar.
