Gokarna: A weekend outing turned tragic after three employees of a Bengaluru-based company drowned when powerful waves swept five members of their group into the sea at Dubbanshashi Beach near Gokarna in Uttara Kannada district on Sunday. Two others were rescued by lifeguards and local fishermen following an emergency operation.

The deceased have been identified as Shobha Das Devendranath, 22, a native of Jharkhand, Mohammed Akram Ismail Ahmed and Vishwa AK, both aged 24. The three were part of a 16-member group of employees from Alorica Ecopace, a company based in Bellandur, Bengaluru. The team had travelled to Gokarna for an outing and was staying at a resort near the beach.

Five Employees Caught in Powerful Waves

According to reports, five members of the group entered the sea at Dubbanshashi Beach when strong waves suddenly swept them away from the shore and pulled them into deeper waters.

The incident triggered an immediate rescue operation. Lifeguards and local fishermen rushed to the spot after noticing the tourists struggling in the water.

Four of the five people were initially brought out of the sea. However, two of those rescued later died despite efforts to save them. The fifth person, who had gone missing, was subsequently found dead, taking the total number of fatalities to three.

The two survivors were identified as Nishanth DV and Mohammed Qasim. They were rescued and taken for medical attention.

Three Victims Identified

The deceased included Shobha Das Devendranath, 22, who originally hailed from Jharkhand, and Mohammed Akram Ismail Ahmed and Vishwa AK, both aged 24.

The group consisted of 16 employees working at the Bengaluru-based company. They had travelled together for a weekend getaway and were staying at Koje Resort, located close to Dubbanshashi Beach.

The sudden change in sea conditions left the five employees struggling against the waves. Despite the efforts of lifeguards and local fishermen, three of them could not be saved.

The bodies were recovered following the rescue and search operations. The incident has left the victims’ colleagues and families grieving.

Gokarna Police Begin Investigation

Following the incident, Gokarna police visited the beach and initiated an investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

The authorities are looking into the sequence of events, including how the group entered the water and the conditions prevailing at the beach at the time.

Reports also indicate that the police have raised concerns about tourist safety and issued warnings to resort and homestay operators in the region. The investigation is under way. India Today+1

Incident Highlights Dangers of Rough Sea Conditions

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with swimming in the sea, particularly when strong waves and currents prevail.

Unlike swimming pools, beaches can have unpredictable water conditions. Powerful waves and sudden currents can pull people away from the shore within moments, making it difficult for even experienced swimmers to return to safety.

Tourists visiting coastal destinations are advised to pay attention to warning signs, follow instructions from lifeguards and avoid entering the water when conditions are unsafe. Staying within designated swimming areas and respecting restrictions imposed by local authorities are also important precautions.

Gokarna attracts visitors from across Karnataka and other parts of the country for its beaches and coastal scenery. The deaths of the three Bengaluru employees have cast a shadow over the popular tourist destination and highlighted the importance of strengthening safety awareness among visitors.

The police investigation is continuing.