TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Following tragic death of three Russian women tourist, after their boat capsized off Canaguinim beach on Tuesday, the Captain of Ports (CoP) has temporarily suspended all the water sports operations and activities along the Goa coast. Nearly 1,500 licences were given for the water sports activities for the ongoing tourism season.
“All the water sports operators and owners are hereby directed to stop all water sports operations and activities on the designated beaches of Goa, with immediate effect, until further orders,” Captain James Braganza’s direction reads.
“Any violation in strictly complying with the same shall be strictly dealt with,” Captain Braganza added. The number of licences given for water sports went up from 1,100 in 2013-14 to 1,500 in 2014-15. In 2012-13, the licences totalled 900.
CoP has constituted monitoring teams along all the beaches to ensure that no water sports activity goes on, until further directions. “If we find water sports operations, their licences would be suspended,” Captain Braganza said.
In North Goa, the maximum water sports activities are found along the Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Coco Beach, Caranzalem and Dona Paula beach belt, while in South Goa water sports activities dot Majorda, Colva, Arossim, Benaulim, Varca and Cavelossim beaches.
Captain Braganza said that during the inspection of the incident reported at Canaguinim, it was noted that the tourists died of suffocation and due to the negligence of water sports operator. It is been reported that the water sports operator had no licence for the activity and that FIR is been registered against him.
“Due to bad weather conditions resulting from cyclone Nilofar, coast guards should have issued warning along all coastal belts prohibiting such activities,” he said.
The State government in 2012 had formulated a policy to keep a check on erring water sports operators on its coastline, following a contempt order by the Bombay High Court. The policy makes it mandatory for operators of this trade to shut down business by 6.30 pm or by sunset, whichever is earlier.
