Eight tourists swept away at Ganpatipule; three rescued

Five tourists still missing

Eight tourists swept away at Ganpatipule; three rescued

Ratnagiri, Maharashtra – A tragic incident occurred at Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri district, where eight tourists were swept away by sea currents while swimming. Three of them were rescued, while five remain missing. The incident took place at around 10 a.m. on 20 June. The missing tourists have been identified as Aditya Raut, Yash Kamble, Aniket Hivarale, Prem Adamane and Anand Narwade, all residents of Bidkin in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

1. A group of 19 people from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar had arrived at Ganpatipule for tourism. They had gone to the beach for an outing. Eight members of the group entered the sea for a swim and were dragged away by the current.

2. As soon as information about the incident was received, local authorities, police personnel, lifeguards and local villagers rushed to the spot. Three young men were rescued successfully, while the remaining five are still missing. Efforts are underway to trace them with the help of boats.

3. Strong sea currents and rough waves are hampering the rescue operations. The local administration is keeping a close watch on the situation.

Editorial Perspective

• It is a matter of concern that such accidents continue to occur repeatedly despite the danger warning signboards installed at various places along the Ganpatipule beach by the local administration and the temple authorities being clearly visible to visitors.
• Only if strict action is taken on the spot against tourists who venture into dangerous parts of the sea in a fit of excitement will a deterrent be created, and such incidents can be curbed to some extent.