The vessel operating company that owned a tour boat that was involved in a fatal maritime accident in the Arabian Sea off India's North Goa district late last month has been barred from undertaking any watersports activities for a period of three years.
The suspension was imposed by the area's local captain of ports department after an investigation revealed that overloading and operator error led to the capsizing of the tour boat Goa-824-WS with more than 20 people on board off North Goa's Calangute Beach on December 25, 2024.
All who were on board the boat were thrown into the water as the vessel overturned. Four of the passengers, two adult women and two children aged six and seven, were pulled unconscious from the water but were later revived.
A 54-year-old male tourist was also found unconscious but was later pronounced deceased after being brought to hospital. This individual is confirmed to be the incident's sole fatality.
The captain of ports department said that the ill-fated boat was cleared to carry no more than 10 passengers in addition to the two crewmembers.
The boat's two crewmembers were arrested in the days following the tragedy. They have since been charged with negligence resulting in death.
The suspension is in compliance with an existing watersports policy, which states that an operator will be barred if it is proven that their negligence resulted in death or grievous injury.