Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Sep 19: Tourists coming from far off places to freak out at Malpe beach are disappointed that they are unable to visit St Mary’s Island as the boat service that was stopped for the rainy season has not yet begun.

A huge crowd was observed during the weekend at Malpe beach. But the tourists had to be content with loitering around the sea walk and beach. Tourists from Kerala, who came in large numbers with the intention of visiting St Mary’s Island, left for other destinations as they came to know that the ferry is not functioning.

As a precaution, the district administration prohibited water sports and tourists cruise boats from May to September in the wake of monsoon. However, the boat service did not resume from September 16 as the sea is still rough.

Panduranga Malpe, president of Malpe beach development committee, said, “The district administration is very cautious about the safety of tourists. Watersports and boat service to St Mary’s Island will begin from September 25.”