Mangaluru: A 25-year-old youth drowned after entering a river to retrieve a football that had accidentally fallen into the water while children were playing near the Kasaba Bengre ferry point on Sunday, August 23.
The deceased has been identified as Mohammed Sanaulla, 25.
Youth enters river to help children
The incident occurred when a group of children were playing football near the ferry point. The ball accidentally fell into the river flowing alongside the area, leaving the children struggling to retrieve it.
Sanaulla reportedly stepped into the river to help the children and retrieve the ball. However, his foot became stuck in the muddy riverbank, making it difficult for him to regain his footing.
He was subsequently pulled into deeper water and drowned.
Locals rush to rescue him
Children and local residents who witnessed the incident immediately rushed into the river and pulled Sanaulla out of the water.
They administered first aid before taking him to a hospital for treatment. However, doctors reportedly declared him dead on arrival.
The incident has left the local community shocked, with the tragedy highlighting the risks of entering rivers, particularly in areas where muddy banks and sudden changes in water depth can make rescue difficult.