Kerala youth drowns after boat capsizes in Chaliyar river; body recovered
A 23-year-old man drowned after a small country boat capsized in the Chaliyar river near Mavoor in Kerala's Kozhikode district in the early hours of Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Basil, a resident of Mavoor, according to police.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. near Poolakkode, where Basil and two others were engaged in fishing. The make-shift boat lost balance and overturned at a dangerous stretch of the river. While two of the group managed to swim to safety, Basil was swept away and went missing.
Local residents immediately launched rescue efforts after hearing the commotion, but their attempts proved futile due to poor visibility and the depth of the water at that spot. They alerted the Fire and Rescue Services, who arrived at the scene and called in a specialised scuba diving team for a coordinated search operation.
After several hours of searching, the divers recovered Basil's body from the riverbed. The body was later sent to a government hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances leading to the accident.
The Chaliyar river is one of the major rivers in northern Kerala, flowing through the districts of Malappuram and Kozhikode. It is a lifeline for many riverside communities, who depend on it for fishing and sand mining. However, the river is known to have treacherous stretches, particularly during the monsoon season when currents become stronger.
Mavoor, once home to a large pulp factory, has seen a decline in economic activity in recent decades. Many locals still rely on fishing in the Chaliyar for their livelihood. Tuesday night's incident has cast a shadow over the community, with residents demanding better safety measures and awareness programmes for those who venture into the river.
District authorities have issued a warning to people, especially those using small boats, to exercise caution and wear life jackets. Officials also said that the river's depth and changing sandbars make it unpredictable. While these accidents are not uncommon, each incident serves as a grim reminder of the inherent dangers faced by local fishermen.
The police have appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The family of the deceased has been informed, and relatives have gathered at the hospital. Tributes have poured in from neighbours and friends, who described Basil as a cheerful young man eager to help others.
Authorities have promised a thorough inquiry into the incident, and steps are being taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Local panchayat members have also sought compensation for the family from the state government.
