PIL seeks judicial probe into Mumbai High oilfield disaster due to Cyclone Tauktae

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has approached the Bombay High Court seeking an independent judicial inquiry into events that led to the loss of lives at Mumbai High oilfield as well as monetary compensation for the family members of the deceased. As many as 86 people died when barge P305 and tugboat MV Varaprada went down in the Arabian Sea during Cyclone Tauktae on May 17.

The PIL jointly filed by FSUI and the CITU also sought the court to direct the Central government and Director General of Shipping to review and revise safety guidelines for activities at sea as the current guidelines are grossly insufficient.

The CITU argued in the petition that the central government has directed the Director General of Shipping to conduct a probe; however, the DG Shipping is potentially guilty of gross negligence, failure to take due care and malfeasance, as a result of which it would be incapable of conducting a free, fair and independent inquiry.