In view of reports about tourist boats side-stepping passenger safety, the Fort Kochi coastal police, in association with the Kerala Ports Department, have begun inspecting tourist boats plying on the Kochi backwaters.
During the inspection, notice was served on several boats operating without adequate crew members. Further, strict directions were issued that no boats should be operated without a srank, engine driver and lascar, among others.
Stern action would be initiated against boats operating without adequate crew members and passenger safety equipment, said Ananthalal, Circle Inspector, coastal police.
The other day, the police had seized two tourist boats, Lake Palace and Lady of Ransom, which had been operating by violating passenger safety norms and arrested two persons in this connection. While Lady of Ransom was found carrying all its 33 passengers on the upper deck, the other one had no adequate safety equipment on board.
Officials said the inspections would be carried out in the coming days as well.
