Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Oct 3: A tragic incident occurred at Malpe Beach on Friday evening when two young men from Hassan, who had entered the sea for a swim, were caught in a strong current and swept away. While one was rescued and is currently in critical condition, the other remains missing, with search operations still ongoing.

The victims have been identified as Mithun and Shashank, both hailing from Hassan district. Alert tourists at the scene managed to rescue Shashank, who was rushed to hospital and is now under treatment. However, Mithun has not yet been located, and authorities continue their efforts to trace him.

Missing person Mithun (left) and the rescued person Shashank

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the Udupi district administration over alleged negligence in beach safety management. Despite the heavy influx of tourists during the ongoing Dasara holidays, reports indicate that only three lifeguards were deployed at Malpe Beach at the time of the incident.

Shockingly, it has been alleged that the lifeguards present lacked basic swimming skills, raising serious concerns about the efficacy of the beach's safety measures. Tourists and locals have questioned how such an important and heavily frequented destination could be left so poorly staffed and ill-equipped.

Further criticism has emerged following the suspension of water sports activities by the district administration. As a result, a number of professional lifeguards who were earlier employed for water sports supervision are said to have returned to their hometowns, leaving the beach largely unmonitored during one of the busiest times of the year.

“Thousands are visiting Malpe during the holidays, but the administration seems to have failed to ensure even basic safety. This is complete negligence,” said a local beach vendor, expressing the growing frustration among residents.

As the search continues for the missing youth, demands are mounting for the district authorities to urgently upgrade beach safety infrastructure, ensure deployment of trained and certified lifeguards, and implement stricter monitoring protocols during peak tourist seasons.

The incident has cast a shadow over the festive season and reignited debate over coastal safety preparedness across Karnataka’s popular beaches.