Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Mar 5: The mortal remains of Nagaraj (24) and Milan (20), two youths who drowned at Panambur beach on Sunday evening, March 3, were recovered on Monday.
Likit (18), a first-year PU student, along with Milan (20) and Nagaraj (24), a second-year degree student of a private college, all residents of Porkody Ambedkar Nagar Colony, had visited Panambur beach with two other friends.
Likit was swept away in the sea initially. Milan attempted to save him, but he too became entangled in the waves. Nagaraj then went to rescue both, but tragically, he also drowned. Punit and Manoj, the other two friends, did not venture into deep waters and thus survived.
Likit, whose exams had concluded and whose results were due on March 30, had expressed his intention to work as a temporary postman during his summer break to save money for college fees. He was the only son of Rani and Manikanta. He aspired to become a policeman.
Milan resided with his elder brother Mohan and had completed his second PU at a private college. Their new house is currently under construction.
Nagaraj, a second PU arts student, was the youngest among nine children of Phakirappa and Anumavva, who are now elderly and reside at home. Nagaraj was known for his expertise in swimming.
The two survivors are Manoj, who works in Kuntikan of Mangaluru and is the nephew of the deceased Nagaraj, and Puneet, a second-year engineering student.
Violent waves continue at Panambur beach, leading the beach tourism organization to temporarily suspend water sports activities. On Sunday, a large crowd had gathered at Panambur beach for the Janapada Parishad programme. Around 6 pm, a siren was sounded to alert people against venturing into the sea.
According to lifeguards at Panambur beach, beachgoers are disregarding their warnings. Despite warnings, the three youths who drowned ventured into deep waters.
With the summer holidays approaching, the number of tourists visiting the beach is expected to increase significantly. The district administration must enhance beach infrastructure to prevent such tragedies.