The boat was carrying more than 35 students to a school at Arikode in Malappuram. The reason for the tragedy is not known immediately. Villagers have swung into action soon after the tragedy. According to preliminary reports, 6 boys and two girl students perished in the tragedy.
The boat was going towards Oorganetri village when it sank in the middle of the river, eye-witnesses said.The bodies were recovered by local people who plunged into the river for rescue and search operations.
While most of the passengers swam to safety, some were rescued by the local people. Most of the students were studying in the 11th and 12th standard, the police said.
This is the second boat mishap in the state in over a month. Forty-five tourists drowned in the Thekkady lake when a boat capsized on September 30.
Personnel from the nearby Naval Academy at Ezhimala were headed for the accident site. Areekode, a small town located on the banks of Chaliyar River in Eranad Taluk of Malappuram, was plunged into grief as most of the dead hailed from the area.
Joida, who was on the ill-fated ferry, said there were about 40 students in the boat. The boat tilted a bit when the students stood to avoid getting wet. But the boat capsized all on a sudden. She said she was lucky enough to swim to safety.
The bus route from Areekode to Moorkannur is seven kilometers and therefore the students use the ferry, reducing the distance to two kilometers.
Given the short distance between the river banks, the boat was being hauled from one side to the other with a low-hanging rope, strung across the river. This is the usual practice in the northern districts because it is easier to haul the boat with the rope than by using an oar.
The boat capsized in the middle of the river, witnesses said. Kerala is yet to recover from the shock of another boat tragedy in Thekkady lake recently. As many as 48 tourists lost their lives in the accident.
Source: India Syndicate and agenices
"When he said to his father and his people: What are these images to which you are so devoted ? They replied: We found our fathers worshipping them. He said: Then you as well as your fathers have indeed, been in manifest error. They said: Is it really the truth that you have brought for us or are you jesting ? He replied: Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth; He brought them into existence and I am of those who bear witness to this, and by Allah, I will certainly plan against your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs."
The people paid no heed to his teachings. They insisted on their ways. They did not refrain from worshipping the twinkling stars, shining moon and ugly idols. The priests kept on encouraging the people to disbelieve in the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). They were afraid lest they should be deprived of their priesthood if the people abandoned idol-worship.
After a few days a special event took place. There was a grand ceremony outside the locality and every one had to participate in the celebrations. Most of the evil-doers drank; liquor and became noisy and wild. They were losing their balance of mind in a state of intoxication. There was a great hustle. Almost every one from the town attended the ceremony except the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). He had a special plan in his mind. He proceeded towards the Temple escaping the sight of others. When he entered the Temple, he saw there many statues which stood motionless and helpless.
The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) lifted his heavy axe and began to smite the idols turn by turn. The idols fell to the ground with a big thud. The floor was loaded with numerous noses, ears, heads, arms, legs and other parts of the idols. He broke all the idols in the sanctuary but spared the Chief one. He did so to demonstrate that the idols had no power to cause harm to any one or bestow benefits upon others. They were as helpless as mere stones and it is against the dignity of human beings to pay homage to them. When the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) finished his job, he left the Temple cautiously making sure that no one had seen him.
The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was summoned to appear before the king. When he came, he was asked if he had destroyed all those idols. He remained silent for a while. Afterwards he directed the king to ask the chief idol on whose neck was hung the axe with which the havoc was done.
The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was mocking and making fun of those stupid people who worshipped helpless, dumb and deaf idols made of stones. The king as well as the priests did not like to prolong their discussions because the arguments of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) were very sound and convincing. The Holy Quran relates:
Although they felt ashamed yet they remained stubborn.