PANJIM: Taking cognisance of the report published in O Heraldo, the Captain of Ports (CoP) Department has sought an explanation from the three cruise boat operators who were found carrying out a different kind of ‘water sport activity’ in River Mandovi, where they allegedly endangered the lives of tourists by violating safety norms.
It was seen on Friday that the cruise operators offered a new thrill to tourists by dropping them in the middle of the river and making them hold on just with the support of a rope tied to the boat.
Fortunately, all those who were dropped in the river were wearing lifejackets. However, questions are being raised if just life jackets can ensure safety and security of tourists in the middle of the river? It is pertinent to note that in the middle of a river, the water tends to flow fastest.
“We have asked the operators to explain in writing as to how the passengers onboard landed in the middle of the river. As per our records their documents are okay, but still we have also asked them to produce all the documents related to operations including the registration and fitness certificate of their respective vessels,” a senior officer at the CoP said.
He said that once the cruise boat operators submits their reply it will be examined by the CoP and action will be initiated against them accordingly.
