Operator’s licence suspended over banana ride death

Panaji: Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte on Monday said the department suspended the water sports licence of the boat operator at Anjuna after a tourist from Madhya Pradesh died during a banana boat ride on March 11.“The police and the tourism department took the appropriate action. The water sports association also needs to take responsibility,” said Khaunte.Tourism department officials said a show cause notice was issued to the vessel owner, Domnic Jack D’Souza, 55, instructing him to appear for a hearing on Tuesday. The tourism department and Goa police also booked him for operating the vessel rashly and without adhering to safety norms. “The association needs to mandate safety procedures, and I feel that a lot of improvement is required. I also told the director to call the water sports association and relook certain advisories,” said Khaunte.