Two tourists from West Bengal drowned in the sea near Swargadwara beach in Puri on Tuesday morning, prompting frantic search and rescue operations by local authorities. They were identified as Suman Paul and Joydeep Paul of Kolkata.
According to reports, the two went for an early morning swim when they were caught by the current and pulled into deeper water. Despite the efforts of fellow beachgoers and rescuers, they could not be rescued. Eyewitnesses say the incident happened at around 7.30 am, when the sea was rough due to high tide.
The two men were reportedly not strong swimmers and did not heed warnings from beach safety officers to stay near shore The local police and the Odisha Disaster Response Force (ODRAF) were immediately alerted and launched a search and rescue operation.
The bodies of the two men were later recovered and taken to the district headquarters hospital for autopsy. The article has also highlighted the need for better safety measures and awareness campaigns at beaches especially during the peak tourist season.
Though Puri is known for its beautiful beaches and attracts a lot of tourists every year, there have been many incidents in the past Talking to reporters, Puri district collector Samarth Verma said the government was taking steps to prevent such incidents in future.
“We have deployed more lifeguards and intensified patrolling in the area. We have also put up warning signs and advised visitors to be careful while swimming in the sea,” he said.
Meanwhile, the families of the deceased tourists have been informed and arrangements are being made to send their bodies back to Kolkata.