Sri Vijaya Puram, July 30: Two young men drowned at Tirur No. 2 Waterfall in South Andaman on July 29 afternoon, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation that continued for several hours before both bodies were recovered late in the evening. Police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragedy, while legal formalities are underway.
The incident occurred at the popular waterfall in the Colinpur Panchayat area, where a group of four people, comprising two men and two women, had reportedly gone for a picnic between 1.30 pm and 2 pm. According to available information, the two men entered the water but failed to resurface, prompting the accompanying women to alert nearby residents and local authorities.
The deceased have been identified as N. Mohammed Shahid, a resident of Bambooflat, and Pradeep, a native of Diglipur who was residing in Sri Vijaya Puram and working with an online delivery service.
According to preliminary information received from local residents, the group had reportedly entered an area of the waterfall where warning boards had been installed. Local accounts further indicated that one of the two men began to drown after entering the water.
The same preliminary accounts stated that the second man attempted to rescue him by extending his hand. However, he too was pulled into the water, and both men disappeared beneath the surface.
On receiving information about the incident, police personnel, emergency responders and a team of divers rushed to the site and launched an extensive search operation. Rescue efforts continued for several hours before divers located and recovered the bodies of both victims late in the evening.
Police have taken custody of the bodies and are completing the prescribed legal formalities. Officials said the exact sequence of events leading to the drowning remains under investigation.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the circumstances preceding the incident. The reported entry into the area where warning boards had been displayed, as well as the attempted rescue, is based on preliminary statements received from local residents and forms part of the ongoing investigation.
The incident underscores the hazards associated with natural water bodies and the importance of exercising caution while visiting such locations. Police are continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal drowning.
