First commission 100 years ago; Kumaran Asan's death was also caused by circumstances similar to Tanur

KOCHI: The first judicial commission for inquiry into a boat accident in the state was appointed when Mahakavi Kumaran Asan died in a boat accident at Pallanayar on January 16, 1924. It has been a century since the report of that Commission headed by retired Travancore High Court Judge P Cherian. The same problems pointed out by the commission back then, has caused the boat accident in Tanur now.

According to the P Cherian Commission report, the main reason for the Pallana accident was that the boat was loaded with more people than allowed and more people were on the upper deck.

The Redeemer boat tragedy took place in Alappuzha Pallanayar at 10.30 pm. 24 people died including Kumaran Asan. Most of the passengers on the boat were returning from attending Murajapam at Padmanabhaswamy temple.

On January 31, Sri Moolam Tirunal Ramavarma Maharaja ordered a judicial inquiry. Along with P Cherian, Travancore Police Commissioner and British citizen WH Pitt, Chief Engineer KV Natesa Iyer, Sree Moolam Legislative Councilors N Kumaran and MR Madhava Warrier were also on the commission.

Although the Redeemer's permitted passenger capacity was 95, there were 136 people on board at the time of the accident, including 119 adults, nine children and eight boat crew. In addition, there was 61 cubic feet of luggage, according to the report.

Statements of 83 witnesses including 47 passengers were taken. After 21 sittings, the commission gave its report on April 5, 1924.

Commission instructions

• Do not allow more than the permitted number of passengers in the boats
• The number of passengers permitted on deck and cabins should be clearly stated
• The number of passengers permitted should be specified at the time of annual license renewal
• The number of passengers has to be determined by carrying out a proper safety check on the boat
• Boats should be thoroughly inspected, including whether they have been modified