Kottayam: In one of the major boat tragedies, 30 people were confirmed drowned when an overcrowded service boat sank at Pathiramanal in the Vembanad lake on July 27 morning, police said.

The ill-fated boat was servicing between Muhamma in Alapuzha and Kumarakam in Kottayam.

Many people jumped overboard and swam to safety. The search is still on for bodies. The Navy and Air Force have been called out for help.

The local people are also helping the rescue operations.

The ill-fated boat, owned by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), met with the mishap around 0700 hours (IST) after it left the Muahamma jetty at 0530 hours.

The boat had more passengers than its normal capacity, police said.

PTI