THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A fisherman, Rannies George, has come out with a new design to reduce boat accidents at Muthalapozhi that have killed around 38 until now. Presently, the boats that exit through the mouth of the breakwater capsize due to underwater sandbars formed by ocean currents. The design, reviewed by architects G Shankar and Soumini Raja, creates an island of sorts that shields the breakwater mouth from currents. The 400 metre arc-shaped structure will allow boats to enter and exit slowly.
“Presently, boats have to speed up to slice past the waves that enter the breakwater mouth. They get flung when the boat hits underwater obstructions,” said Mr George. The present breakwater structure designed by a Pune-based institution has been deemed unscientific over time. “We have received positive reviews for my design from engineers. Hope harbour engineering will work on something after an underwater survey,” Mr George added. However, the con of Mr George’s project could be the cost involved. As per conservative estimates, this will cost around Rs 100 crore.
The present groyne field that acts as a breakwater structure was built at a cost of around Rs 50 crore. It is around 300 metres long and its mouth was around 60 metres wide. The proposed arc structure will need massive reclamation as the sea was several metres deep here.
Fisherman also at fault
Fishermen not wearing lifejackets leads to most of the fatalities, said Mr George. “Most of them could have escaped with injuries if lifejackets were worn at the time of boat accidents. Wearing a lifejacket for at least a kilometre around Muthalapozhi should be mandatory. The Government should distribute lifejackets and ensure all of the fishermen were insured,” he added. Many venturing into seas in an inebriated state also has been cited as a reason for impaired reflexes.
