PANJIM: The Captain of Ports (CoP) department has imposed monetary fines on the three cruise boat operators who were found violating safety norms and endangering the lives of tourists while carrying out water sport activity in River Mandovi.
It may be recalled that O Heraldo had published a report along with supporting pictures highlighting that on May 26, tourists in groups of approximately 20 each were dropped in the middle of the river near Campal by three different cruise boats namely ‘Arushi Cruise’, ‘M.V Samraat Cruise PNJ 839’ and ‘PNJ 694’. Taking cognisance of the report published in O Heraldo, the CoP department sought an explanation from the three cruise boat operators, however they failed to file their reply, following which monetary fines have been imposed on them.
“We have penalised the offenders and Rs 10,000 has been imposed as penalty as per the relevant sections of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. Water sports operators cannot play with the lives of people,” a senior official of the CoP said and added that if the offenders are found repeating the violations then the department will consider taking severe punishment against them.
