Fourteen students from Pune drowned at the beach in the Murud region of Raigad district of Maharashtra on Monday evening. The Coast Guard and Navy personnel managed to rescue 6 students even as one remains missing.
The Coast Guard and Navy have launched major search operations in the region, according to Commander Rahul Sinha, Defence PRO from Mumbai.
The students were part of a group of around 130 from Pune’s A Inamdar College and had come to the picturesque Murud beach for a picnic, Superintendent of Police Suvez Haque said.
So far, of an estimated 20-22 students who had gone into the sea, four girls have been rescued till late afternoon and a search continues for the others.
15-18 children were swept away by the current. Coast Guard immediately launched intercepter vessels and three helicopters. Coast Guard and Navy managed to rescue 6 students. 14 bodies were recovered and one child is still missing.Commander Rahul Sinha, Defence CPRO
We are shocked by this tragedy. We are making all efforts to help the students and their families with the help of the local villagers and police. A team of our trustees has already left Pune for Raigad for rendering further assistance.PA Inamdar, Principal, Abeda Inamdar College
According to available information, the number of casualties may go up as some more students were reporting missing in the water.
Rescue operations are underway in full swing by locals and the Raigad police with help from nearby police stations.
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