President Pranab Mukherjee Monday expressed grief and shock over the loss of lives in the boat tragedy off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Sunday.

 

 Conveying his condolences to the grieving families of victims, Mukherjee said in a statement: "I have also called upon the authorities concerned to engage in speedy relief and rescue efforts and  render all assistance to the kin of the victims." 

 

 At least 21 people were killed and one was missing  when a boat with 43 people on board capsized near Port Blair. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, however, put the toll at 28.