Maharashtra Maritime Board to audit ferry services across city

The boat's capsizing at Dahanu Beach on Saturday has raised several concerns about safety measures followed on ferry boats in an around the city. In the incident's wake, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) will be conducting a safety check on all ferry boats.

Another tragedy waiting to happen is the ferry service operated from Arnala Fort village to Arnala Beach. Despite boat service permissions being granted by the MMB, these ferry boats are risky as they often operate even when their capacity is full and have no life jacket provisions on-board. However, the only way to reach the island village of Arnala Fort is through these waterways which leaves the 3,000-odd villagers and tourists with no other option.

Ganesh Chambare, Director, Dahanu Machhimar Samiti said, "The local government authorities and MMB are at fault for allowing illegal ferry services."

Vikram Kumar, CEO, MMB said, "I have ordered a safety audit of all ferry services in and around Mumbai. Action will be taken against boat owners for ferrying passengers illegally or without safety measures."

Ferry services running at Arnala, Uttan, Gorai, Versova, Madh, Marve, Versova and Gateway of India are now under the authority's scanner. "Our officials will be visiting the jetties and check the availability and use of life jackets and safety measures implemented by boat owners. Overloading of boats will attract action," added Kumar.