Udupi: A 23-year-old woman, who was undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at KMC Hospital after a boat capsizing incident near Malpe, died on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Disha (23), a native of Jalapuri in Mysuru. With this, the death toll in the incident has risen to two. Another victim, Dharmaraju, is still undergoing treatment in the ICU, sources said.

A complaint has been filed at the Malpe police station by G Gurupasad, Managing Director of Gold Crest India Private Limited.

According to the complaint, 28 employees of the company had arrived in Malpe for a two-day trip and were staying at a resort in Kadike. The complainant said the accused, Suhas, arranged boating for the group by sending 14 people in one boat and 15 in another.

The incident occurred when the group was boating in the Swarna river near Alivebagilu in Kodikanyana village, close to Kodibengre Delta Beach. The boat named ‘Wave Rider’ reportedly capsized after it was allegedly operated in a rash and negligent manner by the boat operators Sufiyan and Vasu, the complaint stated.

Police are investigating the matter.

Officials said there are concerns about an increasing number of unauthorised boats operating along the coastal tourist belt.

As per the tourism department, Udupi district has 16 tourist boats, four houseboats, and 23 kayaking boats with official permission. However, some boats are yet to renew their permits, and notices have been issued to the owners.

Officials also said that while local fishermen may use their boats for fishing, using them commercially to carry tourists without permission is not allowed.

The district administration has instructed panchayats, coastal security teams and local police to take action against such violations.

District in-charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar expressed condolences over the incident and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and to conduct an inquiry.