Unregistered tourist boat capsizes off Baga, seized

Panaji/Calangute: A boat carrying 18 passengers, including two children, capsized off the shore at Baga creek on Thursday afternoon while returning from a ride. The boat was later seized by the tourism department for operating without registration.
Drishti Marine lifesavers rescued the tourists, who were from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Two patients were rushed to the nearest health care facility.
A tourism official said the vessel, owned by Ralph Mascarenhas, operated without registration and compliance with the tourism department’s norms.
“Unregistered boats not only jeopardise the safety of tourists but also undermine the standards we are setting for sustainable and responsible tourism in Goa. Let this incident serve as a clear message that we will not tolerate any violations,” said tourism minister Rohan Khaunte.
Tourism director Suneel Anchipaka said his department will continue to take strict action against any unregistered activities in Goa’s waters. “Boat operators must comply with all regulatory requirements to ensure that such incidents are prevented,” said Anchipaka.
The department has issued a circular saying that stringent action will be taken against boats that operate without proper registration or renewal. It has also urged boat operators to see that they comply with all legal requirements.