Andamans boat tragedy: PM announces relief

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 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.