Udupi: Two tourists lost their lives and two others are battling for survival after a tourist boat capsized near the Hangarkatte shipbuilding area, where the river meets the sea, around noon on Monday, January 26. The incident occurred within the limits of the Malpe–Kota police station and has raised serious concerns over safety measures followed during leisure boat operations in the region.
Boat carrying 14 tourists capsizes mid-trip
The ill-fated boat, operated by a private firm named Waveriders, had departed from the Malpe Delta Beach point for a recreational trip. Though the official passenger capacity of the boat is yet to be confirmed, preliminary information suggests that as many as 14 tourists were on board at the time of the mishap.
Sources said the boat capsized around 12 pm near the estuary area, a stretch where river waters meet the sea and currents are often unpredictable. All the passengers were thrown into the water when the boat overturned suddenly.
Questions raised over use of life jackets
According to initial reports, life jackets were provided to the tourists before the trip began. However, it is yet to be ascertained whether all the passengers were wearing them at the time the boat capsized. Police officials said this aspect would be a key part of the investigation, as the use of safety gear can significantly reduce fatalities in such incidents.
Eyewitnesses in the area stated that the waters were relatively rough near the estuary, though official confirmation on weather or tidal conditions at the time of the incident is awaited.
Fishermen rush to rescue tourists
Local fishermen and nearby boat operators acted swiftly upon noticing the capsized vessel. Using their own boats, they rushed to the spot and managed to rescue all 14 passengers from the water. Their timely intervention is believed to have prevented a higher loss of life.
The rescued tourists were immediately shifted to the shore, where emergency assistance was arranged. Four of the passengers were found to be in critical condition and were rushed to hospital for further treatment.
Two declared dead, two critical
Doctors later declared two tourists dead. The deceased have been identified as Shankarappa (27) and Sindhu (25). Shankarappa was a resident of Harave village in Chamarajanagar district, while Sindhu hailed from Mooguru village in Narasipura taluk of the same district.
Among the injured, Dharmaraja (26) is reported to be in a stable condition, while Deesha (26) remains in a very critical state and is undergoing intensive treatment. All four victims were residents of Saraswathipuram in Mysuru and were employed at a call centre.
Hospital authorities said the condition of the critically injured tourist continues to be closely monitored.
Police launch investigation
Malpe police visited the accident site soon after receiving information and have launched an investigation into the incident. Officials said inquiries are underway to determine the exact cause of the capsizing, including whether the boat was overloaded or if there was any mechanical failure.
The police are also verifying whether the private operator had adhered to all safety norms and whether the boat had the necessary permits to operate in the estuary region.
Safety concerns over tourist boat operations
The tragic incident has once again brought attention to safety practices followed by private boat operators offering leisure trips along the coast. Local residents and activists have repeatedly raised concerns over overcrowding, inadequate supervision and lack of strict enforcement of safety regulations.
Experts have pointed out that estuary zones can be particularly dangerous due to changing currents and tidal movements, making strict adherence to safety protocols essential.
Conclusion
The loss of two young lives and the critical condition of two others have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a leisure outing. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to take a closer look at safety compliance in tourist boat operations to prevent such tragedies in the future.