Kundapur: In a timely act of bravery, personnel of the Coastal Security Police (KND) rescued two engineering students from Bengaluru who were on the verge of drowning at Maravanthe Beach on Friday evening. The students, part of a group of five to six visiting the beach for leisure, ignored warnings prohibiting entry into the sea and were caught in powerful waves near the Maraswami Temple area.
Rescue operation and heroism
The rescue was carried out by KND personnel Nishanth and Vishnu, who were stationed nearby. The officers immediately rushed to the spot, risking their own lives, to pull the students to safety. Reports indicate that one of the students had been swept nearly 100 metres into the sea before being rescued.
The swift and courageous action of the KND personnel drew widespread appreciation from onlookers and highlighted the critical role of coastal security forces in ensuring beach safety.
Follow-up and safety inspection
Following the incident, a team comprising ASI Manjunath, KND personnel Savita and Raghavendra, Gangolli Police Station Inspector Pawan Nayak, and highway patrol staff visited Maravanthe Beach to inspect the area and reinforce safety protocols. Authorities emphasised the importance of adhering to warning signs and safety instructions, especially during high tide and rough sea conditions.
Previous incidents and ongoing concerns
This incident comes just weeks after a tragedy on September 7, when three students from Bengaluru drowned while playing in the sea at Charkikadu near Gopadi, with one surviving. These repeated incidents have raised concerns over tourists ignoring safety warnings at beaches along the Karnataka coast.
Local authorities continue to urge visitors to exercise caution, avoid venturing into unsafe waters, and follow instructions issued by lifeguards and coastal security personnel.
Conclusion
The Maravanthe beach rescue serves as a reminder of the dangers of the sea and the importance of coastal safety measures. The bravery of KND personnel in saving lives underscores the need for constant vigilance, public awareness, and adherence to safety protocols to prevent future tragedies at Karnataka’s beaches.