Last Saturday’s fire at Malim Jetty, which gutted a passenger cruise boat in the wee hours, highlights a critical issue that Goa can no longer ignore — the urgent need for stringent fire safety measures on vessels operating within its waters. While fortunately, no passengers were on board at the time of the incident, the blaze should trigger us to think about the vulnerabilities of our maritime safety protocols.
The fire was unprecedented in its ferocity. When fire brigade personnel arrived, the vessel was rapidly consumed, with winds fanning the flames and accelerating the destruction. The vessel, owned by a local operator from Calangute, was ultimately left as a charred wreck. While the cause of the fire is still being investigated with initial reports pointing towards a short circuit, it's time to introspect on fire safety. Fire safety is crucial because vessels are usually out of bounds, and the fire brigade is unable to make a timely intervention.
Indian regulations mandate that all vessels, including small cruise boats and casino vessels, adhere to strict fire safety protocols. These include carrying portable fire extinguishers, implementing fixed fire suppression systems, fire detection systems, fire-resistant construction materials, and ensuring crew members are adequately trained to respond to emergencies. A fire pump capable of reaching all areas, along with fire-resistant materials and proper firefighting gear, are mandatory requirements under Indian maritime safety regulations.
River cruise vessels and casino boats, which host hundreds of visitors every day, often operate in a regulatory grey area raising questions about routine safety checks and enforcement. We need to ask if authorities are regularly inspecting vessels to ensure they meet the prescribed safety standards and if safety audits are conducted or complied with.
Globally, incidents such as the tragic boat fire on the Congo River, where over 143 lives were lost, and the Turkish cruise liner fire last year that prompted passengers to jump into the sea, serve as grim reminders of the stakes involved. These incidents highlight the catastrophic consequences of neglecting fire safety protocols and emphasize the need for proactive measures.
In Goa, the situation is no different. The state’s numerous riverboats and casino vessels operate in high-traffic environments. The potential for disaster increases exponentially if fire safety measures are neglected. Non-compliance could result in loss of life, injury, and irreversible damage to Goa’s reputation as a safe tourist destination.
Routine inspections, certification renewals, and strict enforcement of safety protocols are imperative. The Captain of Ports must prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that every vessel complies with national safety standards, including fire detection, extinguishing, and crew training. The government and authorities must view safety not as an administrative formality but as a moral obligation. Adequate fire safety measures are life-saving essentials. The Malim Jetty fire, while narrowly avoided turning into a tragedy, should be a catalyst for a systemic review.
Ensuring the safety of every visitor and resident on our waters must be a State's responsibility which should be non-negotiable. The blaze should be the wake-up call that prompts immediate action — strengthening safety standards, conducting regular checks, and, most critically, safeguarding lives. Only then can Goa truly claim to be a safe and responsible tourist destination, where emergencies are met with preparedness and resolve rather than a reactive afterthought.
