In a concerning revelation, the Union Minister for Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, informed the Lok Sabha that the waters off the Kerala coast have witnessed seven separate incidents of collision and alleged hit-and-run cases involving merchant ships and fishing boats in the last two years. This data underscores a persistent maritime safety issue in the region.
The 'Prathyasa' Incident: A Narrow Escape
The minister's statement came in response to a specific query raised by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden regarding the accident involving the fishing boat 'Prathyasa'. The vessel had set out from Fort Kochi and, on May 7, 2024, had a perilous encounter with the merchant ship MSC Silver 2. The boat was struck on its rear side but managed to narrowly avoid a full shipwreck. Sonowal provided a crucial update on this case, stating that the owners of 'Prathyasa' and the authorities of MSC Silver 2 had reached a mutual settlement. Consequently, no further legal action is being pursued, and the complaint proceedings have been formally closed.
Government's Action Plan for Enhanced Safety
In light of these repeated incidents, the Directorate General (DG) of Shipping has initiated corrective measures. Following preliminary investigations, the DG issued a significant circular on March 17, 2024, aimed at preventing future tragedies. The circular outlines a multi-pronged strategy targeting both awareness and enforcement.
The central recommendation is the sensitization of fisherfolk on navigation safety protocols. However, the directive goes further, placing specific responsibilities on the state fisheries department:
- Ensure timely renewal of fishing boat licences.
- Mandate the carriage of basic life-saving appliances on all fishing boats.
- Conduct regular inspections to verify adherence to safety rules.
Furthermore, the minister detailed several enforcements that must be implemented:
- Fitting all seagoing fishing vessels with tracking, locating, and distress communication devices.
- Establishing more robust reporting protocols for accurate and timely incident information.
- Implementing a system for proper documentation and verification of fisherfolk's identities.
- Enforcing mandatory insurance coverage for fishing vessels to ensure victim compensation.
A Call for Systemic Change
The series of incidents points to a systemic gap in the co-navigation of busy commercial shipping lanes and traditional fishing zones. The government's new circular represents a formal attempt to bridge this gap through regulation, technology, and insurance. The effectiveness of these measures will depend heavily on their strict implementation by the state authorities and cooperation from the fishing community. The goal is clear: to transform the Kerala coast from a zone of recurrent risk to a model of maritime safety for small vessels.
