Udupi: Boat owner's negligence puts 16 lives at risk, baby goes missing

Udupi, May 19: In a tragic incident that took place at Malpe beach here on Sunday May 19 evening, a boat with 16 people capsized, resulting in a two-year-old going missing.

A family of six from Doddaballapur, Bangalore was on a three-day trip to Udupi. On Sunday, they along with 10 other people went boating at Malpe beach. Due to overload and because of the rough sea, the boat capsized and everyone fell into the water.

The locals as well as fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were at the spot rushed to their rescue and managed to bring them to safety. However, a two-year-old went missing and a search operation was launched. The baby, identified as Hitesh, son of Prasanna Gowda, is reportedly feared drowned.

It is said that the boat owner, identfied as Narayan, took the 16 people on his boat in violation of rules. The deputy commissioner has passed an order banning boating activities at Malpe from May 15 to September 15 due to approaching monsoons and rough sea. However, some of the boat owners have still been carrying out their business illegally.

Moreover, it is said that the capacity in Narayan's boat was only for 12 people, but he allowed 16 persons aboard which resulted in overloading and the eventual tragedy.

Fire personnel, police and locals gathered at the spot and started searching for Hitesh. The operation continued into the night but there was no trace of the missing boy.

Malpe police have registered a case in this regard. A case has also been filed against boat owner Narayan for violating rules.

From: daijiworld

date: 20-05-2013