At a time when the Fisheries Department has been discussing the safety and security of fishermen, as well as drone surveillance, the incident off the coast of Goa, where a fishing boat with 27 crew members ran aground near the entrance to the River Sal, highlights serious shortcomings in maritime safety systems and enforcement policies.
While the swift and brave rescue efforts by local fishermen and Drishti Marine lifeguards showed resilience and solidarity of the fishing community, it also exposed the persistent systemic failures that have existed for years. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for legislators to address the longstanding infrastructure deficiencies and governmental delays that jeopardize the safety of the fishing community.
A sad irony is that the Betul coastal police station, situated less than a kilometre from the site of the incident, was ill-equipped. Despite being so close, police officers acknowledged their deficiency in basic rescue boats, such as speedboats or interceptor vessels, which are crucial for prompt emergency responses at sea. They instead depended on the hope that nearby fishing boats would come to help. This situation has exposed the lack of responsibility to protect lives, particularly with the rising number of maritime accidents in Goa’s waters.
Moreover, there has been a prolonged delay in creating an essential breakwater or training wall at the River Sal’s mouth. Fishermen and boat operators have been advocating for this project for years, pointing out the dangerous navigation conditions that result in vessels running aground, particularly during turbulent weather. The project, which was initiated before 2017, has encountered procedural obstacles, mainly the absence of environmental clearance required by the National Green Tribunal. Despite the NGT’s explicit instruction in 2021 to secure the EC and rehabilitate the impacted land, the Fisheries Department still has not obtained the necessary approvals, resulting in a delay of more than four years. This bureaucratic lag raises concerns about governance priorities and the dedication to protecting local livelihoods.
Without appropriate breakwaters, vessels become susceptible to shifting sandbars and rough seas, heightening the likelihood of accidents. The recent episode emphasizes the immediate need to expedite the project. Waiting for a disaster to happen before taking action is both irresponsible and intolerable.
To add insult to injury, the interceptor boats acquired nearly 15 years ago are reportedly not operational, and the single vessel at Betul is currently out of service. This situation leaves fishermen at risk and underscores the necessity for regular updates and maintenance of rescue infrastructure. The efforts of fisherman Pele Fernandes, who swung into action using a private jet ski, are admirable, but the department cannot be dependent on such rescues. The government must prioritize furnishing coastal police stations with functional rescue boats, suitably trained personnel, and modern communication infrastructures.
This incident also brings to light issues of accountability and political determination. Despite ongoing demands, the government’s reaction has been slow, indicating a disconnect between policy promises and actual implementation. The Fisheries Department’s current initiatives to secure EC and finalize building plans are positive steps, but lack a sense of urgency. The government must establish clear deadlines, allocate funding, and simplify environmental clearances to ensure infrastructure projects are completed before the next monsoon season. For now, the assurances given to the fishing community are shallow.
