Republic Day Weekend Outing Ends in Tragedy: Two BPO Employees Die in Udupi Boat Capsize
A festive Republic Day weekend outing turned into a devastating tragedy when a tourist boat capsized in Karnataka's Udupi district, claiming the lives of two young business process outsourcing (BPO) employees and leaving two others hospitalized.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident occurred around noon on Sunday at Kodibengre beach near the popular Malpe beach area in Udupi. According to police reports, a private tourist boat operated by Waveriders from the Malpe Delta beach point was carrying 14 tourists from Mysuru when it capsized near the Hangarakatte shipbuilding area, where the river meets the sea.
The deceased have been identified as Shankarappa, 22, and Sindhu, 23, both residents of Mysuru who worked at a BPO call center. Their colleagues, Disha, 26, and Dharmaraj, 26, were rescued and are receiving treatment at private hospitals. While Disha remains unconscious, Dharmaraj is reported to be out of danger.
Rescue Operations and Critical Safety Concerns
Following the capsizing, all 14 passengers were rescued and brought to shore with assistance from nearby boats. However, four of those rescued were in critical condition and required immediate hospitalization.
Witnesses have raised serious concerns about safety protocols, stating that while life jackets were provided to all passengers on the boat, not everyone was wearing them at the time of the accident. This crucial detail has become central to the investigation, with survivors reportedly wearing life jackets while those who died were not.
Police Investigation and Official Response
The Malpe police have registered a case and are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. A police officer stated, "We are verifying whether life jackets were provided to all passengers and whether proper safety measures were in place. The witness statements indicate the victims were not wearing life jackets despite availability, while survivors were properly equipped."
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna has accused the Tourism Department of negligence, alleging that tourist boats have been operating without valid licenses and in violation of regulations despite multiple public complaints. This political dimension adds to the gravity of the situation, highlighting potential systemic failures in tourist safety oversight.
Boat Specifications and Regulatory Questions
Police confirmed that the boat had a capacity of 16 to 20 people, and at the time of the accident, it was carrying 14 passengers - well within its stated capacity. This detail raises questions about whether the capsizing resulted from operational errors, weather conditions, or equipment failure rather than overcrowding.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about:
- Safety enforcement on tourist boats
- Compliance with life jacket regulations
- Licensing and oversight of private boat operators
- Emergency response protocols in coastal tourist areas
This tragic event during what should have been a celebratory Republic Day weekend has left the local community in mourning and raised urgent questions about tourist safety standards in Karnataka's popular coastal destinations.
