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Dhow survivor sued

Dhow survivor sued

Bahrain: In a new twist to the Bahrain dhow disaster in which 58 tourists died, the boat's owner is suing one of the survivors alleging he forced a reluctant captain to sail. The vessel, hired by South African-based company Murray and Roberts to celebrate completion of building work in Bahrain, sank in calm waters in March. Of the 130 passengers on board most were employees of the firm. Company Manager Simon Hill has been ordered to stay in Bahrain pending the civil proceedings. The boat's owners, al-Dana, and its captain, are themselves facing criminal charges for "fatal neglect". The Bahraini authorities have alleged the boat was not licensed to operate as a tour boat. The owners have also blamed the tour operator for allegedly insisting the overloaded boat should sail. (25/08/06)