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Two people have died after a boat carrying devotees from Jaffna to Palaitheevu met with an accident, authorities confirmed.
The victims have been identified as M. Joseph (80) and Francis (57), both residents of Kurunagar in Jaffna. Their bodies were recovered and later handed over to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.
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According to initial reports, the vessel had been transporting devotees when it encountered difficulties and capsized.
Thirteen other passengers have been admitted to hospital following the incident. Among those injured are a 13-year-old boy, four women and eight men.
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Medical officials said that three of the injured, including one man and two women, are currently in critical condition and are receiving treatment.
Search and rescue operations are continuing as authorities attempt to locate others who are still reported missing.
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Boat travel remains a common means of transport for coastal communities in the Jaffna peninsula and surrounding islands, particularly for devotees travelling to religious sites and fishermen moving between coastal settlements. However, concerns have frequently been raised over safety standards and the risks posed by overcrowded or poorly equipped vessels operating in the region.
Two individuals have died after a boat carrying devotees from Jaffna to Palaitheevu met with an accident.
Their bodies have been handed over to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. The deceased have been identified as M. Joseph (80) and Francis (57), both residents of Kurunagar.
Meanwhile, 13 others — including a 13-year-old boy, four women, and eight men — have been admitted to hospital. Among them, one man and two women are reported to be in critical condition and are currently receiving treatment.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway to locate others who are still missing.