Fearing Somali pirates, tourists abandon Kochi

KOCHI:  They brave the rough seas. But, for the yachtsmen,  the pirates have proved a more daunting proposition. And the signs have been ominous for the Kochi International Marina, the country’s first and only marina. With just four yachts having called at the Kochi Marina during the past six months, the Rs 8.21 crore facility is struggling to ward of the offshoot of Somali pirates attack on sailors. The seafarers are adventurous enough to brave even rough weather on the high seas, but not the cold-blooded Somali pirates. Of course, the fall in the number of arrivals of yachts has affected the marina. At the time of inauguration, we expected an average of 10-15 yachts in a month, and the response from tourists in the initial months offered much hope. But for the last six months, the number has fallen to an alarming figure, said Commander (retired) Jose Varghese, head of operations, Kochi Marina. Soon after the inauguration of the marina, there was a flow of visitors from the UK, the US, France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.  “Early this year, two couples had been kidnapped and killed by the pirates. This incident seemed to have frightened the sailors which has made them cautious,” commander Jose said.      Beckoning adventurous seafarers, the Kochi International Marina, set up by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) on Bolghatty Island, was commissioned on April  24, 2010.  The marina is being operated by Mumbai-based Ocean Blue on a three-year contract.    “The marina has a capacity for accommodating 34 yachts. But, most of the jetties in the marina are remaining vacant. Though the Navies of various countries are keeping vigil in the area, the sailors are not confident of reaching their destinations safely,” Commander Jose said.  A three-storeyed Marina and Recreation House, among other facilities, is a major component of the Kochi Marina.