Missing Castro, Janet - the big questions
It appears that all Ghanaians are missing hiplife sensation, Theophilus Tagoe popularly known as Castro Da Destroyer aka Under fire, who together with his female companion, Janet Bandu, reportedly went missing on Sunday, July 6.
It is alleged that the two drowned around the Volta River estuary in Ada where they had gone cruising while on a weekend getaway with the Black Stars striker, Asamoah Gyan, who is also Castro’s friend and singing partner.
Well, we are missing Castro and his friend, Janet but there is something that we must not miss as Ghanaians – that is the opportunity that this heartbreaking news has presented to us to review the appalling manner in which we set and observe standards in this country!
The numerous stories making the rounds with regards to the disappearance of the two point to a lot of questions about the way we operate watercraft in Ghana.
Carrying the right safety equipment and knowing how to use it is very essential when one sets out to use a watercraft such as a jet ski. So one would ask; did the owners of the resort ensure that Castro and his friend have all the required gear before they set off on the cruise? Were they carrying enough safety equipment to help them face the unexpected?
One would have also thought that an individual should have some basic training in the use of a jet ski before getting onto one because obviously it is not a toy.
The question is; did Castro have that knowledge? Like any vehicle, it could be dangerous riding a jet ski without the necessary skill as that could lead to a breach of the general safety obligation on the part of the user.
Each person operating or riding a jet ski must wear an approved life jacket but we are told that Castro’s friend, Janet was not wearing one at all and whether Castro’s life jacket was the approved type is yet to be established.
Experts also say that personal watercraft like jet skis may not be operated from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used. So what time did Castro and Janet hit the water for the cruise?
Maneuvering the jet ski by weaving through congested vessel traffic, over speeding, trying to lift the front part and all other unreasonably dangerous steering of the jet ski and of course a generally reckless operation of the watercraft could be deadly. The question is; how was Castro riding the small watercraft?
Did the resort provide pre-rental or pre-ride instructions on the safe operation of the jet ski for Castro to know exactly what to do in times of danger?
If yes; did the information include propulsion (riding motion or force), steering and stopping characteristics of the jet ski, the location and content of warning labels, how to properly re-board it if you should slip into the water?
Did the instruction also include the applicable Navigational Rules to jet ski operation; problems with visibility and being seen by other boaters or people, reckless operation, noise, nuisance, and environmental concerns while operating the watercraft?
Were there lifeguards on hand to rescue drowning riders? Were there enough warning signs such as colourful flags to direct riders away from dangerous spots? What about speed limits?
Wh-e-e-e-w!!! Obviously there are so many questions literally begging for answers and the police team investigating the matter MUST ask these and many more so that their findings will engender a fruitful public discourse and not the mermaid (maame water) trash that is being discussed by some people.
That will bring out useful information that will guide us in the use of watercraft and also how to behave generally at a waterfront.
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) through its Boat Safety Educational Programme engages in some safety educational programmes and exercises at Yeji, Kpando-Torkor,Tapa Abotoasi, Kete Krachi, Dambai and Dzemeni.
The educational programme also includes free distribution of leaflets on the Inland Waterway Safety Code, demonstration in basic seamanship and the use of navigational safety devices such as life jackets and fire extinguishers.
But obviously they need to target resorts in the country and ensure that revellers too are protected.