Tourist Survives 15ft Fall After Parasailing Cable Snaps in Goa
In a harrowing incident at Baga beach in Goa, a tourist experienced a narrow escape while parasailing when the cable tethering the parasail to the boat snapped while he was mid-air. The man fell from a height of at least 15 feet, but his descent was slowed by the parachute, which prevented grievous injuries.
Quick Rescue and Minimal Injuries
Tragedy was averted as the boat crew swiftly turned around and rescued the tourist. Since he was wearing a life jacket, the risk of drowning was minimal, according to a boat operator. The incident left other tourists on the boat shell-shocked, with women heard screaming in panic in a widely circulated video.
Tourism Department Launches Probe
The Goa tourism department has sought a full report on the incident and warned of strict action, including licence suspension, if negligence is found. This event has rekindled concerns over equipment maintenance in popular adventure spots across the state.
Social Media Outcry Over Safety Standards
The video led to questions on social media about the safety of water sports in Goa. Netizens like Saurabh Joshi criticized the situation, stating, "When it comes to India, safety is last. Never ever do any kind of this thing, from jumping to skydiving in India. Just make and earn money."
Operators Acknowledge Inherent Risks
A water sports operator from Baga noted that all adventure sports carry some risk. Parasailing can be hindered by factors such as the towing vessel shutting down, a faulty fuel pump, strong winds, a snapped cable, or a dysfunctional winch.
Other Tourist Incidents Highlight Safety Issues
This was not the only incident where a tourist's holiday took a turn for the worse in Goa. At Benaulim beach, a 71-year-old man from Pune was chased and bitten by stray dogs while running along the shore. Drishti lifesavers attended to him promptly, provided first aid, and ensured he was stabilised.
Further south, at Agonda, a 48-year-old man had to be rescued after falling off his kayak nearly 100 meters into the sea. Drishti lifesavers used a jetski to bring him to safety, underscoring the ongoing challenges in tourist safety across the region.
