Tanur: It has been a year since Kerala mourned the Tanur boat accident that claimed as many as 22 innocent lives. The tragedy that struck on May 7 last year is a painful memory to the people of Thooval Theeram Beach. To add to their woes, the compensation announced for the families of the deceased and the injured have not yet been disbursed. The probe is also moving slowly.

The accident was a result of reckless conversion transforming a fishing boat into a travel boat without any security measures. The helmsman had no license and the passengers were not provided life jackets. The ill-fated journey during the late evening that ended up in the tragedy made it more difficult for the rescuers as well. 

A total of 15 children were also among the deceased. 

The Kunnummal family at Puthan Kadappuram in Parappanangadi had lost 12 members in the tragedy. A police official named Sabarudin, who was on duty as part of the fight against the drug mafia, also died in the accident. 

It is alleged that the boat owner and his team wielded undue influence, enabling their illegal activities, causing the tragedy. The local residents had filed complaints with authorities regarding the resumption of service by the two fishing boats in the area. They had even warned about the potential challenges of conducting rescue operations in the event of a disaster.