Udupi / Bengaluru: A tragic boating accident off the Kodi Bengre coast in Udupi district claimed the lives of two young tourists, while several others were injured after a tourist boat capsized in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday.
The deceased have been identified as Shankarappa (22) and Sindhu (23). Two other tourists, Dharmaraj and Disha, are reported to be in critical condition, while others are undergoing treatment at private hospitals in Udupi.
According to preliminary information, around 15 tourists had ventured into the sea on a private tourist boat for dolphin watching when the vessel lost balance amid strong sea waves and overturned. Local fishermen and nearby boat operators rushed to the spot and managed to rescue most of the tourists.
Eyewitnesses and rescuers stated that life jackets were available on the boat, but several tourists failed to wear them, which significantly contributed to the casualties.
A fisherman named Nagaraj, who participated in the rescue operation, said the boat’s underside was damaged, and passenger negligence during the ride may have caused the imbalance.
“Some tourists were enjoying themselves without understanding the depth and force of the sea. Not wearing life jackets proved fatal,” he said.
All the tourists involved are reportedly residents of Saraswathipuram, Mysuru, and were on a holiday trip. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on safety lapses by the boat operator and compliance with maritime tourism norms.
The incident comes amid a surge in tourist footfall along Karnataka’s coast due to extended holidays, raising serious concerns over tourist safety, enforcement of life-saving measures, and regulation of private tourist boats.
Authorities have assured strict action against those found responsible and said further guidelines will be enforced to prevent such tragedies.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಉಡುಪಿಯ ಕೋಡಿ ಬೆಂಗರೆ ಸಮುದ್ರ ತೀರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ದೋಣಿ ಮಗುಚಿ ಇಬ್ಬರು ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರು ಮೃತ್ಯು
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