Kerala witnessed yet another tragic boat accident as 22 people lost their lives in a boating mishap. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with opposition parties blaming the government’s lack of intervention despite several warnings and reports.
According to eyewitnesses, the tour boat operator’s “last trip” gimmick was the primary reason for the disaster. The boat was packed beyond its capacity, and the operator did not pay heed to warnings of the vessel tilting to one side before it took off.
Furthermore, it has come to light that the boat was a fishing boat converted into a recreational vessel. It lacked a license to offer boating services, and there was a severe shortage of safety equipment like life jackets. The same were not provided to passengers, even though the boat was filled beyond capacity.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the government’s apathy towards implementing measures to ensure boating safety. Kerala has witnessed several fatal boat accidents over the last 100 years, and three Commission of Inquiry reports have recommended preventive measures. However, lack of government intervention has resulted in yet another tragedy.
The opposition Congress and BJP have been quick to point fingers at the government. They have accused the ruling party of ignoring the warnings and recommendations of the panels. The opposition has demanded immediate action against those responsible for the tragedy and urged the government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
The survivors of the tragedy have recounted the horror of the incident. They have stated that the boat operator ignored warnings and continued with the “last trip” gimmick. The boat was filled beyond capacity, and passengers were not provided with life jackets. The vessel started tilting to one side, and despite bystanders’ warnings, the operator continued with the journey, resulting in the boat capsizing.
The tragedy has once again brought to the fore the need for stringent safety regulations and guidelines for boating services. The government must take immediate action to ensure that all boats offering recreational services are licensed, equipped with safety equipment, and adhere to capacity limits.
