Udupi Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa holding a meeting in her office to review safety measures of tourist boats in view of the death of two tourists in a boat tragedy near Udupi on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Udupi Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa said here on Tuesday that all tourist boats in the district should submit the necessary documents and register with the tourism department within 45 days and obtain permission to operate.
The boat operators should obtain permission from the departments of port, police, coastal security police, local authorities, and the tourism department, she said.
Holding a meeting in her office to review safety measures in view of the death of two tourists in a boat tragedy near Udupi on Monday, Ms. Swaroopa said that tourist boats that have obtained permission should renew their permits every year. Boats without the required permissions will not be allowed to operate.
She added that boat operators should ensure that every tourist wears a life jacket without fail. Pamphlets on the importance of life jackets in saving lives should be displayed in places where tourists gather, including the seashore. A pre-recorded video stating that the boat will proceed only when everyone wears their life jacket should be played on the boats.
Instructing the tourism department to call a meeting of tourist boat operators, she said that the operators should be made to get the necessary permits. Notice boards should be installed at all tourist sites to warn tourists about the safety aspects. A workshop should also be organised for the owners and operators of tourist boats, and they should be enlightened on safety measures and insurance facilities, she added.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the safety of tourists while visiting beaches and sailing in boats on the sea or rivers should be given priority
Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abid Gadyal, Assistant Director of the Tourism Department N.M. Vindhya and others were present in the meeting.
On Monday, Shankarappa, 27, and Sindu, 23, died when a tourist boat, carrying 14 people hailing from Mysuru, capsized at an estuary near the Hangarkatte ship building area.
Published – January 27, 2026 07:02 pm IST
