The Tanur boat tragedy in Kerala that killed 22 people is a clear case of criminal negligence. The accident took place as people were planning a water trip to enjoy their day off. The boat capsized unexpectedly while turning near the estuary. Unfortunately, the boat was packed to its capacity. It is when there are accidents that lead to loss of lives on a large scale, that the government and all the responsible authorities feel a sense of duty. Tourism generates revenue and employment on a large scale. However, adherence to a code of conduct should be the norm. A proper mechanism to ensure the safety of tourists should be put in place apart from handing out exemplary punishments to those who put people’s lives in danger. Goa needs to learn a lesson from the Kerala episode. The River Navigation Dept of Goa which operates all the ferries needs to ensure safety of passengers using the ferry service. It has been observed that sometimes commuters themselves neglect their safety which results in escalation of the problem for the authorities
