Sun Mar 30 19:00:06 UTC 2025: ## Kochi’s Sunset Paradise: Tourist Boat Plans Scuttled by Unlicensed Fishing Nets

**KOCHI, March 31, 2025** – Ambitious plans to launch daily tourist boat trips from Kochi’s Marine Drive to the globally renowned Kakkathuruthu Island have been scrapped due to persistent obstructions caused by unlicensed fishing nets. The Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), which owns the tourist boats, cited the “inordinate delay” of over a year by local authorities and the Fisheries Department in removing the nets as the reason for halting the project.

Kakkathuruthu Island, featured by National Geographic as one of the world’s best sunset viewing spots, has seen its tourism potential hampered by the two nets blocking safe navigation. The nets are among 36 unlicensed fishing nets and obstructions in the backwaters surrounding the island. While most are not in use due to declining fish stocks, these two remain, impeding access for tourist boats.

The planned service, utilizing KSINC’s “Michelle” and “Cleopatra” vessels, was expected to be highly popular during the ongoing summer vacation. The agency had already been operating luxury cruises to other island resorts.

Tourism stakeholders, including Kakkathuruthu’s tourism coordinator Foji John, have repeatedly voiced concerns about the impact of these obstructions. John highlighted the lost job opportunities for hundreds of islanders due to the reduced tourist arrivals. He criticized the Fisheries Department and local panchayats for inaction despite numerous appeals.

The absence of direct waterway access now forces tourists to take a lengthy detour via road to Alappuzha before reaching the island by boat, significantly impacting tourism. The KSINC expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity, particularly considering the high demand for such services during the peak tourist season.

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