Engine failure raises doubts over water sports safety

Panaji: The near-tragedy off the Aguada coast once again exposed how Goa’s booming water adventure industry is eroding safety standards and cutting corners for profit. A preliminary probe found the operator ignored weather warnings, ran unauthorised trips in a prohibited zone, and failed to have skilled crew on board.An official told TOI that strong and proactive coordination between the department of tourism, Captain of Ports, coastal police, and coast guard is lacking.“We have a social media group of around 170 stakeholders that includes representatives from the Captain of Ports, coastal police, water sports operators, cruise operators, lifeguards, and sometimes the fishing community. Weather alerts are shared and all stakeholders are expected to act on it,” said the official.

Preliminary inquiries showed that there is no mechanism in place to ensure enforcement of weather safety guidelines, especially during a weather warning.“During the monsoons, catamarans and river cruises on small pleasure craft continued to operate in heavy rain and thunderstorms. The captain of ports and the tourism department do not take any action,” said a yacht operator.On Thursday, 40 tourists, including women and children, were stranded when a catamaran’s engine failed near rocks, causing panic.

A rescue dinghy with four passengers also capsized. The tourism department issued a show-cause notice to the operator for illegally running the boat in a prohibited zone near Aguada Fort, violating safety and regulatory norms.While the Captain of Ports ensures inland vessels, including cruise boats and yachts, are certified, insured, and equipped with safety gear, crew certification is not checked. “More important than safety gear, it’s important to have trained personnel who know what to do in a risky situation.

Mere certification is not enough. Guidelines may be in place; however, enforcement is important,” said an official.The Indian Coast Guard has also stressed the need for trained crew. “Every port needs an operational rescue vessel. A shallow-water, fast interceptor craft with a tow winch could have prevented the boat from drifting. Does the Captain of Ports have such a vessel?” asked a yacht operator.Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira demanded action: “Despite a yellow alert, the cruise boat took passengers for a jolly good ride, to make a few bucks… What if the tourists drowned?”