Udupi District Administration Enforces Stringent Safety Measures After Fatal Tourist Boat Accident
In the wake of a devastating boat capsizing incident that resulted in three fatalities, Udupi District Collector Swaroopa TK has issued a stern directive to prioritize the safety of tourists visiting the district's coastal attractions. The tragic event, which occurred near the Hangarkatte shipbuilding area on Monday, has prompted immediate action from local authorities to prevent future mishaps.
Mandatory Permits and Registration for Tourist Boats
Addressing a crucial meeting on Tuesday, DC Swaroopa TK emphasized that all tourist boats operating in Udupi must obtain explicit permission from multiple regulatory bodies before venturing into the sea. This includes clearances from the port authority, police department, coast guard, local municipal authorities, and the tourism department. Furthermore, every tourist boat in the district is now required to submit all necessary documentation and complete registration with the tourism department within a strict 45-day deadline.
Boats failing to secure these permissions will be prohibited from operating, while those with existing licenses must undergo annual renewal to ensure ongoing compliance. This regulatory crackdown aims to establish a robust framework for monitoring and controlling tourist boat activities along Udupi's picturesque coastline.
Enhanced Safety Protocols and Life Jacket Enforcement
To safeguard tourists, the district administration has mandated rigorous safety measures. Wearing life jackets is now non-negotiable for every tourist before boarding any boat. To reinforce this rule, brochures distributed at popular tourist spots will prominently display information on the proper use of life jackets. Additionally, tourist boats must play a pre-recorded audio message stating that the journey will commence only after all passengers are securely wearing life jackets.
Warning signs alerting visitors to potential hazards will be installed at all key tourist locations. The DC also stressed the importance of equipping lifeguards with advanced life-saving techniques to enhance emergency response capabilities.
Upcoming Workshops and Meetings with Boat Operators
The district administration plans to convene a meeting with tourist boat owners shortly to instruct them on obtaining the necessary permits. Comprehensive workshops will be organized for boat owners and operators, focusing on safety protocols and insurance facilities. These sessions will feature insights from resource persons to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and prepared to adhere to the new regulations.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Investigation
The boat tragedy has claimed three lives, with the latest victim identified as Disha, a 23-year-old from Jalapuri, Udayagiri post in Mysuru, who succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday. Earlier victims included Sindhu, 25, and Shankarappa, 27, both from Chamarajanagar, who passed away on Monday. The ill-fated boat, carrying 14 passengers at the time of the accident, had departed from the Malpe delta beach point. The tourists, who hailed from Saraswathipuram in Mysuru and were employed at a call center, were on a scenic excursion when the capsizing occurred.
Preliminary investigations point to negligence on the part of the boat operator as a likely cause of the accident. The meeting was attended by key officials including SP Hariram Shankar, Additional DC Abid Gadyal, and Assistant Director of the Tourism Department Vindhya NM, underscoring the collective commitment to enhancing tourist safety in Udupi.
