In addition to investigation Cause of Wednesday’s accident that killed 14 people Mumbai police are also investigating the operator of a passenger ferry after a navy speedboat rammed it off the Karanj coast, allegedly carrying an official capacity of 84 passengers and six crew members. An excessive number of passengers (approximately 110 people) were transported, thus posing a risk to the safety of passengers.
“While we have not directly revealed the names of the ferry crew members, we will release their names in the case once their role is established,” a senior police officer said.
Families of affected passengers have also raised accusations of poor safety measures for passengers on the ferry.
Jogaram Bhati, a resident of Bhayander and brother of the late Hansaraam Bhati said, “The boat owner should also be held accountable as he was responsible for the safety of the passengers. When the capacity of the boat was reduced, he allowed more than 100 passengers. The rescued passengers also told us, There were not enough life jackets for passengers.
Colaba police said they have obtained details of the Nil Kamal ferry from the owner.
“We have also written to the Maharashtra Maritime Commission seeking details such as the official registration details of the ship and the number of passengers the ship can carry,” a police officer said.
The police have so far recorded the statements of 11 people and will soon identify the ferry crew members and record their statements.
The police have also sought information from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) about the standard operating procedures or safety manuals that ferry operators should follow. In addition to this, the Maritime Authority must also have an officer or inspector whose job it is to ensure that ship operators do not violate the rules and endanger the safety of passengers. Police are currently trying to determine who is responsible.
Police said the ill-fated ferry ‘Neel Kamal’ and the naval speedboat will be inspected by MMB and naval experts.
“While we have not directly revealed the names of the ferry crew members, we will release their names in the case once their role is established,” a senior police officer said.
Families of affected passengers have also raised accusations of poor safety measures for passengers on the ferry.
Jogaram Bhati, a resident of Bhayander and brother of the late Hansaraam Bhati said, “The boat owner should also be held accountable as he was responsible for the safety of the passengers. When the capacity of the boat was reduced, he allowed more than 100 passengers. The rescued passengers also told us, There were not enough life jackets for passengers.
Colaba police said they have obtained details of the Nir Kamal ferry from the owner.
“We have also written to the Maharashtra Maritime Commission seeking details such as the official registration details of the ship and the passenger capacity of the ship,” a police officer said.
The police have recorded statements of 11 people so far and will soon identify the ferry crew members and record their statements.
The police have also sought information from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) about the standard operating procedures or safety manuals that ferry operators should follow. In addition to this, the Maritime Authority must also have an officer or inspector whose job it is to ensure that ship operators do not violate the rules and endanger the safety of passengers. Police are currently trying to determine who is responsible.
The ill-fated ferry ‘Neel Kamal’ and the naval speedboat will be inspected by MMB and naval experts, police said.
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