ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Watercraft operators who fail to enforce safety regulations will be punished, tourism authorities announced Saturday, two days after a ferry disaster on the Tigris River in Mosul killed almost a hundred people.
“If any tourist gets on a watercraft without wearing a lifejacket, the owner of the watercraft will be punished,” Mawlawi Jabbar, head of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) tourism directorate, told Rudaw.
“All the owners of the watercraft shall ensure the availability of rescue ropes on board and not allow more tourists beyond their capacity,” Jabbar said.
The strict guidelines also apply to boat operators at Lake Dukan, the Smaquli resort, and other riverside beauty spots popular with tourists during the spring months, he added.
The decision comes after 96 people died and dozens were injured when a ferry capsized on the Tigris River near a Mosul fairground. Most of the victims were women and children celebrating Newroz. Many are still missing.
Iraqis have accused local authorities of negligence and corruption. Nine people have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Iraqi media.
Jabbar warned vessel owners they will be severely punished if found operating without a sailing license or if they fail to comply with safety regulations.