UAE: Shipping company charged with negligence in Sharjah accident that killed expatriate; police warn other operators – News

Authorities in the emirate found “many other boat operators” in breach of safety regulations, some exceeding the capacity of their vessels

following Capsize that killed an Indian expatriate Near Khor Fakkan beach last Friday.

The management of the cruise company behind the fatal accident – which also injured four passengers – has now been charged with negligence and handed over to the public prosecution, the Sharjah police chief told the Khaleej Times.

Sharjah Police Commander-in-Chief Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi said an emergency response team was dispatched to the scene after the incident.

The team launched an investigation and arrested the ship’s management and all those on duty. Investigations revealed that overloading was the cause of the accident.

Rear Admiral Al Shamsi said the ship was carrying a total of 16 people – including the watchman – when the ship was limited to a maximum of 10 people. The investigation revealed that the company recruited more people in order to earn higher profits.

The deadly capsizing prompted police to issue a warning to all other boat operators in the emirate and conduct inspections to check they were following safety rules.

Police found many other companies were not complying and many were found to exceed the capacity of their vessels.

Rear Admiral Al Shamsi urged shipping companies to straighten out their operations to ensure strict compliance with all policies. Be careful when venturing out to sea and make sure all passengers are wearing life jackets, he added.

Sharjah authorities, including the Municipality and Economic Development Department (SEDD), have stepped up inspections of vessel operations – warning companies not to take advantage of the surge in demand at the expense of safety.

While the companies were confirmed to have valid licenses, a special team will monitor their activities, according to SEDD. A city official said the inspection would also cover jet ski rental companies.