Chennithala: The body of the third person, who went missing after a ‘palliyodam’ (boat) capsized in the Achankovil river on Saturday, has been recovered. The body of Chennithala native Rakesh (45) was recovered by the diving experts of the Navy. With this, the death toll in the accident rose to three.

The boat named ‘Chennithala Palliyodam’ overturned while making a turn at Valiya Perumpuzha in Mavelikkara. The ‘palliyodam’ and rowers were prepared to participate in the Aranmula Uthrattathi boat race. The bodies of Chennithala native Adityan (18) and Cherukol native Vineesh (38) were recovered yesterday.

The water level at the river had risen following the torrential rains in the area over the past few days. The strong undercurrents in the river also turned a villain. There were 61 people on board. A few people were saved by rowers of the nearby boats. A few others who knew swimming saved themselves. Adityan’s body was found by 11 am and Vineesh’s body by 12.45 pm. Though the Navy conducted the search for Rakesh till 8.45 pm last night, he couldn’t be found. The search was restarted on Sunday morning.