Kochi: Though the authorities removed from the shipping channel, the wreckage of the fishing boat ‘Neetiman’ that sank four weeks back , the problem is that they have dumped it near the Vypeen boat jetty, posing a threat to fishing and passenger boats. “The wreckage is still posing a danger to boats, especially at night. The Port Trust has washed its hands off saying its job was over when they cleared the wreckage from the shipping channel. The only warning about the boat is that its drum could float away during the tides,” said Francis Chammani, President, Vypeen-Fort Kochi Ferry Passengers Association.
The incident occurred on September 19 after the steel fishing vessel sank in the shipping channel between Vypeen and Fort Kochi while being towed into the harbour from outer sea. Initially the Fisheries Department attempted to remove the wreckage but failed. The Port Trust entrusted ‘M/s Lots Shipping’ for the job on September 21 noon. However, inclement weather and the fact that the vessel had corroded made the job tough. Finally after 11 days, the wreckage was removed from the shipping channel but dumped near Vypeen jetty. “The Port Trust and the Fisheries Department are blaming each other for failure to clear the mess, putting lives of fishermen and commuters at risk. The authorities should co-ordinate with each other and take immediate measures to clear the wreckage,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents demanded immediate deployment of the new twin-engine steel boat and the RoRo junkars along the Vypeen – Fort Kochi route to resolve commuting woes. “Though the boat has been rolled out, construction of the boat terminals has been delayed indefinitely, preventing its deployment,” Chammani said. Meanwhile, Corporation authorities said the setting up of piles and other works would start on October 17 and would be completed in a month.
