US tourists booked for flying drone in high-security zone near Kochi Coast Guard HQ

Two American tourists have been booked by Kerala police for allegedly flying a drone in a high-security zone near the Indian Coast Guard headquarters in Fort Kochi, authorities said on Sunday.

The accused have been identified as Katie Michelle Phelps (32) and Christopher Ross Harvey (35) , both from Redding in California, United States . According to police, the two were visiting Kochi as tourists and were seen operating a drone without permission on Saturday morning to record aerial visuals in the area.

Officials said the drone was flown near Chariot Junction close to Children’s Park , in the vicinity of INS Dronacharya and the Coast Guard headquarters , both of which fall within a designated red zone where drone operations are strictly prohibited due to security concerns.

The incident came to light after tourism police personnel noticed the drone activity and alerted authorities. The two tourists were then taken to the Fort Kochi police station for questioning , and their equipment was seized.

Police said the drone and a laptop used to store the recorded footage were confiscated as part of the investigation. A case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Aircraft Act, and the Drone Rules , which regulate the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles in India.

Security restrictions are particularly strict in Fort Kochi as the area hosts key naval and Coast Guard establishments , including the naval training base INS Dronacharya. Authorities say drone flights in such locations pose potential risks to military installations and national security .

Police clarified that the two foreigners were not formally arrested but were issued notices directing them to appear before investigators as the probe continues. Officials also noted that similar incidents occur occasionally in the tourist-heavy coastal area, as visitors sometimes remain unaware of local drone restrictions while attempting to capture aerial footage of popular landmarks.