KOCHI: The Kochi boat mishap on Wednesday afternoon was a bolt from the blue. But it could have been avoided if the authorities had acted on some of the recommendations in the reports of the judicial commissions constituted after the earlier tragedies. Periodic inspection of boats’ safety before issuing a fitness certificate, making life jacket mandatory and action against overcrowding boats are some of the recommendations.
At least two judicial commissions headed by Justice Narayan Kurup and E Mytheen Kunju had pointed out at the poor condition of the boat, overloading and negligent conduct of crew for the tragedies.
E Mytheen Kunj Commission, which studied the Thekkady tragedy of 2009, had recommended constitution of a state maritime board to bring everything related to the maritime activities under one roof with experts including naval architect and marine engineer.
Justice K Narayana Kurup Commission, which studied the Kumarakom boat tragedy of 2002, had recommended ensuring periodic inspection of boats in the report submitted in 2003.
Justice M M Pareeth Pillai commission, which probed the Thattekkad boat tragedy of 2007, wanted to ensure that no passenger above the limit should be allowed to travel on the boat.