Andamans boat tragedy: PM announces relief

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday announced ex-gratia of Rs.2 lakh for the kin of each of those killed in a boat tragedy Sunday when a tourist boat capsized in the Andamans.

"PM condoles the loss of lives in the Andamans boat tragedy and sanctions an ex-gratia of Rs.2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased," the prime minister's office said in a comment on Twitter.

At least 21 people were killed when an over-crowded tourist boat with 43 people on board capsized in the Andaman Sea near Port Blair. One person was reported still missing.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, however, placed the toll at 28.