A tragic incident unfolded off Goa’s Calangute beach on Christmas Day, leaving one tourist dead and nearly 20 others rescued following the capsizing of a watersports boat. Around 1:30 PM, the boat, which was ferrying tourists approximately 60 to 70 meters from the coastline, encountered what preliminary reports indicated as engine malfunction, causing it to flip over due to the force of the waves.
Among the passengers was 54-year-old Suryakant Pophalkar, who was tragically declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. A family of 13 from Khed, Maharashtra, including children and women, was on board at the time of the accident. Witnesses described the boat as feeling unstable before the incident, raising questions about its capacity and safety standards.
Lifesavers from Drishti Marine acted quickly, managing to rescue approximately 20 passengers and bringing them ashore. The swift response by the trained lifesaving team proved pivotal, as they provided immediate first aid to the injured. Reports state several passengers were taken to local hospitals for observation, including two children aged six and seven, and two women aged 25 and 55.
The police have initiated investigations, with preliminary findings indicating possible negligence linked to the boat’s overload. According to local authorities, confusion surrounded the safety measures. Pophalkar’s wife voiced concerns after the incident, claiming their five-year-old daughter was promised a life jacket but did not receive one before boarding. "They promised to give the five-year-old girl a lifejacket, but when we got onto the boat, they did not give the child one," she stated.
There have been conflicting accounts concerning the boat's operation prior to the accident. Reports from the boat owner suggest the engine simply stopped working, leading to the capsizing, yet others have raised the alarming point about the boat being overloaded. The tragic incident echoes broader issues of safety protocols on popular tourist excursions, especially during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year.
This accident is among several recent maritime mishaps, including one just days prior where 15 people lost their lives due to another maritime incident off the coast of Mumbai. Such occurrences have reignited discussions about the safety of tourists engaging in watersports and the regulatory frameworks governing these activities.
Authorities from Goa have emphasized the need for stringent enforcement of safety standards to prevent similar tragedies from repeating. Lifeguard agencies are declaring preparedness, especially during this busy tourist season, reinforcing the urgency to prioritize passenger safety on all types of watercraft.
While this Christmas was meant to be festive, the loss of Suryakant Pophalkar serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the risks associated with tourist activities, especially those involving water. The investigation continues as the family mourns their sudden loss, and the broader community reflects on the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety measures.
