6 drown in two separate incidents across Kanyakumari

CHENNAI: In a devastating turn of events, three students from Trichy Private Medical College drowned at Lemur Beach near Nagercoil early on Sunday morning after a powerful wave dragged them into the sea. They were part of a 12-member group visiting the beach.

When a giant wave swept away one of the students, the others rushed to resue him but got dragged away into the sea due to the force of the waves.

A search and rescue operation was immediately launched by the fire department, the coast guard, and local fishermen.

Three of the students who were swept away, including two women, were successfully rescued.

Four were found dead including three women.

Their remains were recovered and sent to the hospital for post-mortem examination.

In a separate incident, two tourists from Chennai who were on a spiritual trip to Kanyakumari drowned in the Kodimunai sea on Sunday.

The deceased were among a group of 20 individuals hailing from Choolaimedu and Villivakkam areas in Chennai. They travelled through Trichy, Madurai, and Vadipatti to reach Kanyakumari, late last night. After spending the night in Kanyakumari, they proceeded to Kodimunai near Kulachal on Sunday morning.

Six individuals, including Vecis (54), the spouse of Tamil Sonia, the Headmistress of Choolaimedu Government Higher Secondary School, and Manoj Kumar (25), a youth employed in the School Examination Publication Division (TPI), ventured onto the rocky archway and into the sea for a closer view. While on the rocks, an unexpected wave swept them into the sea.

Local fishermen from Kodimunai acted swiftly, deploying three piper boats for rescue. Despite their efforts, Vecis and Manoj Kumar lost their lives. The others were saved.

The Colachel Marine Police promptly stepped in, recovering the bodies and transferring them to Asarippallam Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examinations.

The Marine Police are actively investigating the incident.

The Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services had issued a cautionary alert regarding an imminent severe storm and turbulent seas in the South Indian Ocean on May 4 and May 5. Coastal regions of Kumari district, especially those within a range of 45 to 65 kilometers, were predicted to face strong winds.

As a precautionary measure, fishermen and the public were advised to avoid beach activities during this period.