Family was on nnnual Xmas trip

CHENNAI: The spot where the fateful accident took place was at least 18 kilometres from the shore and it took about an hour by boat to reach there, the fishermen said.Police said that the family planned a trip together every Christmas and last year, they had gone to Velankanni. This year, they decided to come to Pulicat as Naseera Bano, who worked at Sundarapandian’s hotel in Gummidipoondi, had arranged the trip. Naseera had reportedly married Hansar only three months ago.Sundarapandian’s grand daughter, Juliet, a fourmonth- old baby, was baptised Sunday morning. About 126 Police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel were involved in the rescue efforts that were led by IG (North) C Sylendra Babu and four DSPs.Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah offered his condolences for the 21 killed in the accident. “I am deeply shocked and grieved to hear about the tragic accident in which 21 people lost their lives when their boat capsized in Pulicat Lake,” said press statement issued by the Governor’s office. “I convey my deep felt condolences to the bereaved members of the family and pray to god to rest their souls in peace.”