Tourist Boat Capsize in Karnataka Malpe Sea Claims Two Lives
A tourist boat capsized near Kodi Bengre Delta Beach in Udupi district killing two visitors while several others were injured raising serious questions over safety lapses and enforcement failures oversight.
- Tourist boat capsize in Malpe resulted in two deaths.
- Safety lapses suspected in Udupi boat accident.
- Authorities probe tourist boat operations in Malpe.
Mangaluru, Karnataka: A tragic boating accident near Malpe has cast a shadow over coastal tourism in Udupi district after a tourist boat overturned in the sea, leading to the deaths of two young visitors and leaving several others injured.
The incident occurred close to the Kodi Bengre Delta Beach on Monday afternoon, when a boat with a capacity of about fifteen to twenty passengers lost balance and capsized near the Hungarkatte boat building area. Police confirmed that fourteen tourists were on board at the time.
Rescue efforts began immediately after the boat overturned. All fourteen passengers were shifted to the shore using another vessel. While most survived, four people were reported to be in serious condition and were rushed for medical care.
The deceased have been identified as Shankarappa aged twenty seven from Harave village and Sindhu aged twenty five from Mooguru, both in Chamarajanagar district. Another tourist, Deesha aged twenty six, remains in critical condition, while Dharmaraj aged twenty six is said to be stable. Police said the group belonged to a Mysuru based call centre team visiting the coast.
According to preliminary information, life jackets were reportedly provided to passengers. However, police stated that not everyone was wearing them at the time of the accident. A survivor told investigators that life jackets had been distributed, though this claim is still being verified.
Reacting strongly to the incident, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna blamed the tourism department for negligence. He alleged that tourist boats were operating without proper permits despite repeated public complaints and that some vessels were using forged documents.
The MLA also criticised authorities for focusing only on parking fee collection at Malpe Beach while ignoring safety arrangements, cleanliness, and lifesaving facilities. Calling the incident a dark mark on Udupi tourism, he urged officials to enforce strict safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
