Aldona MLA calls for strict safety norms for boat rides

Panaji: Following the drowning of a tourist in a boat accident at Calangute, Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira raised concerns about the safety measures implemented by the Captain of Ports (CoP) and tourism department.

He said both these departments are responsible for ensuring safety of visitors taking boat rides. He questioned the authorities about their protocols regarding passenger capacity regulations on the boats and the provision of mandatory safety equipment for all passengers, regardless of their swimming abilities.

Ferreira said that imposing penalties and seeking compensation are secondary matters. He stressed that continuous tragedies cannot be permitted, and authorities must be held accountable for their negligence rather than shifting blame to operators.

He said these authorities concerned bear equal accountability, extending beyond merely issuing permits, collecting charges, and authorising operations.

The CoP said that the accident seemed to be a case of overloading, which led to the vessel capsizing and the death a passenger.


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