Officials confirmed Monday that at least 22 people were killed when a double-decker tourist boat capsized in India's southern state of Kerala.

Tanur, a coastal town in Kerala's Malappuram district, was the scene of the tragedy late Sunday. Rescue efforts were still underway.

During the night, dozens of people looked for survivors in and around the crippled vessel, which was partially submerged. Others were in the sea staring through the boat's windows as others used ropes to stabilize the ship.

PHOTO | COURTESY over 22 killed in a boating accident in India

According to Tanur police, they recovered 22 bodies, 15 females and seven males, adding that There are around six patients at the hospital.

The officer noted that there were about 30 passengers on board.

According to the local newspaper Onmanorama, 11 individuals, including three children, died in the disaster.

V. Abdurahiman, the state's sports and fisheries minister assisting in coordinating rescue efforts, claimed that most of the dead were children on vacation.

At the time of the tragedy, it was believed that more than 30 passengers were on board the vessel.

According to the Press Trust of India, Abdurahiman stated that four individuals were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

PHOTO | COURTESY ongoing rescue at the site of the incident

According to survivors, many of the passengers were not wearing life jackets.

"I am heartbroken by the loss of life in the Malappuram, Kerala, boat mishap." Condolences to the departed families," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter, adding that each victim's next of kin would be compensated.

The cause of the boat's capsize was not immediately known.