The CPT stated that the jetty had been functioning even though the licence had expired
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Kochi: The Cochin Port Trust has blamed the functioning of a fuel station at Fort Kochi for the boat tragedy and ordered its closure. “Apart from the reckless speeding by the fishing boat, a factor that may have contributed to the accident is the location of a fuel station,” the CPT said in the closure order issued on August 31.
The CPT stated that the jetty had been functioning even though the licence had expired on March 31, 2014. Eleven persons were killed in the tragic incident on August 26 when a modified fishing vessel coming from the fuel station rammed a ferry boat which capsized immediately.
The CPT pointed out that queuing up by fishing boats for fuelling at this station had caused a spillover into the shipping channel. “This is not conducive from the viewpoint of safe navigation,” said the order issued by Deputy Conservator of the Cochin Port Trust.
He asked Mr K.K. Damodaran, an Indian Oil Corporation dealer to immediately stop functioning of the station and any operations that may be conducted through the jetty. Mr Damodaran has challenged the closure notice before Kerala High Court and the court will consider the same in the coming days. The Port Trust cancelled the licence which had been in existence for the past 48 years.
According to Mr Damodaran, the statement of the CPT that the fuel station contributed to the accident had been made without any inquiry and prior notice. Mr Damodaran contended in his plea that on expiry of the licence the renewal fee had been remitted and a receipt was issued by the CPT. The fuel station at present is using the property owned by the CPT though the landing place belonging to the partners of the fuel station.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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