Udupi: A tragic incident unfolded at Malpe Beach on Friday evening when two young men from Hassan district were caught in strong sea currents while swimming. While one of the youths, Shashank, was rescued and is in critical condition at a hospital, the other, Mithun, remains missing as search operations continue.
Victims identified and rescue efforts
The victims have been identified as Mithun and Shashank, both hailing from Hassan. Alert tourists at the scene managed to pull Shashank from the water, and he was rushed to hospital for urgent medical care. Despite extensive efforts by authorities, Mithun has not yet been located, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations along the coastline.
Criticism of beach safety measures
The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the Udupi district administration over alleged negligence in beach safety management. Malpe Beach, a major tourist destination, reportedly had only three lifeguards on duty at the time of the incident despite the heavy influx of tourists during Dasara holidays.
Reports indicate that the lifeguards present lacked basic swimming skills, raising serious concerns about the efficacy of safety measures at one of Karnataka’s busiest coastal spots. Tourists and local residents have questioned how a popular beach could be left so poorly staffed and inadequately monitored.
Suspension of water sports worsens safety situation
Further criticism has emerged after the district administration suspended water sports activities, resulting in professional lifeguards previously employed for supervision leaving the beach. This has reportedly left the area largely unmonitored during peak tourist season.
A local beach vendor expressed frustration: “Thousands are visiting Malpe during the holidays, but the administration seems to have failed to ensure even basic safety. This is complete negligence.”
Calls for urgent action
Authorities are under pressure to upgrade beach safety infrastructure, deploy trained and certified lifeguards, and implement stricter monitoring protocols during peak tourist periods. The tragic incident has reignited debate over coastal safety preparedness across Karnataka’s popular beaches.
Residents and tourists alike are calling for comprehensive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future, including mandatory lifeguard training, emergency response drills, and better surveillance along the coast.
Conclusion
The Malpe Beach tragedy has cast a shadow over the festive season, highlighting serious gaps in beach safety management. As the search for Mithun continues, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure the safety of visitors, particularly during peak holiday seasons, and to prevent such incidents in the future.