“The boat was in excellent condition, fresh from a routine cycle of maintenance dry-docking in March this year. It was found to meet all safety and stability standards during the fitness survey, and the certificate is valid till March 28, 2016,” claims a forlorn M. Abu — one of the six joint owners of the ill-fated passenger vessel Bharat that sank following a collision at Fort Kochi. The upkeep of the vessel was such that it was recommended to undergo the next round of dry-docking only on April 15, 2017, according to him. Abu, a resident of Thoppumpady, insists that contrary to survivours’ claims and reports, the boat had an adequate number of life jackets, lifebuoys and other mandatory safety equipment.
He said a partner of the firm which owned the boat, Cochin Service was present at the jetty as the collision took place a few metres away. The boat was driven by Ramesh, a resident of Cherthala and an experienced driver, Abu told The Hindu.
