Points as well as the questions raised by the writer are considered most pertinent and relevant to public interest in so far as it concerns the safety of life & property in our territorial waters in particular. The owner/authority must come out with the answers, which I repeat for clarity/easy reference, as follows:

1. Was the tanker gas-free & fit for maintenance; hot-work/chipping etc as was reported in the press to be the case during the explosion?

2. Did the explosive, or any other department supposed to be responsible, issue a certificate to the effect that all spaces were fit before commencement of the nature of work with particular reference to a oil tanker as was the position stated in the numerous press reports after the tragedy?

3. Since it was a case of loss of valuable lives/assets of great value for the nation, the people of this country have the right to know that the ship was duly covered for both hull & P&I insurance in all respects.

4. Was the ship classed with an internally recognised classification society to ensure safe operation at all time?

We have many coastal tankers operating in our coastal waters and many similar ocean going ships of national/international flags frequently visit our ports/anchorages. 'Shourav' incident must act as a wake-up call for all concerned to follow the maritime rules/regulations in the interest of everybody and to ensure that our territorial waters is safe for ships. The official inquiry in this case should not be like what we see for the launch disasters that occur in our inland waterways so frequently every year. As a member of the International Maritime Organization we should also seek assistance in this regard since we have many shortcomings of resources.