Doubts cast on safety of floatel patrons in Mumbai

While the state government allowed floatels near Bandra-Worli Sea Link to promote tourism, questions are being raised over the safety of their patrons after Friday's incident.

Damodar Tandel, a fishermen's leader in the city, said, "We have been opposing these floatels from the start, considering the vessels that are being used are old and not safe. Also due to three floatels being anchored near the sea link the Bandra jetty that was built for tackling emergency situations at the sea link is being used for commercial purposes."

BJP leader Vivekanand Gupta on Saturday alleged that two of the three floatels lack requisite permissions and are endangering lives of hundreds of party-goers. But MMB CEO Vikram Kumar said, "All three floatels have permission from us, subject to pwermisisons from other authorities."

Ark Deck Bar said in a statement, "We are shattered by the unfortunate occurrence. All our paperwork, licences and maintenance procedures have been in perfect order."