There have been three deaths in the tragic boat crash at Udupi’s Malpe Delta Beach after another young woman died today, Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Mysuru-based Disha (23) died in a private hospital after failing to respond to treatment due to the injury, is the victim. On Monday, the tragedy also resulted in two other young deaths, Sindhu (23) and Shankarappa (22).
Right now, one more youth, Dharmaraj, is still under supervision from a doctor at a hospital of the locality. The Dream Trip Becomes a Nightmare. The incident featured 28 company employees from a BPO call center in Saraswathipuram, Mysuru. The group had traveled to Udupi coastal district to celebrate weekend to Republic Day.
The group took the day off a boat ride, prompted by social media chatter of the beautiful Delta Beach (Kodi Bengre), and the river Swarna flowing up into the Arabian Sea. The team separated after 2 boats at about 12.00 PM on Monday, January 26. The boats, which are operated by a private company called Waveriders, were carrying 14 passengers when they suddenly capsized near the Hangarkatte shipbuilding area.
Breach of Liability and Safety
Preliminary investigations and witness accounts indicate a lack of care was an important factor in the disaster. Although the boat operators allegedly gave life jackets to all 14 passengers, several tourists reportedly refused to wear them or took them off once the boat began its voyage. Some of the passengers were reportedly dancing, roaming, and having fun with their vessels, causing the boat to tip off balance in the choppy estuary water. The confluence between the river and sea tends to churn, so that stability is key.
Heroic Rescue Efforts and Court Actions
That tragedy may have been far worse if quick action were not taken by local fishermen along with other witnesses. Nagaraja, Vishwanath Shriyan, and Dinesh Karkera, who were nearby in another boat, immediately rushed to the rescue. They were able to rescue all 14 people from the water themselves. Though those in life jackets were picked up, four individuals arrived at shore in critical condition. The Malpe Police have made a formal case against the owner and the captain of the boat. Another official, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, has called for a strict probe because it is alleged that lots of tourist boats in the area have no licenses or safety permits.
Current Status of Victims
Dead: Shankarappa (22), Sindhu (23), Disha (23). Injured: Dharmaraj (26) is now stable and recovering. The bodies of the deceased have been moved during post-mortem studies before being transferred among their grieving families in Mysuru.
