Tragic drowning incident in Narmada River: seven feared dead

Narmada River: On Wednesday, the National Disaster Rescue Force’s (NDRF) local divers and the Vadodara fire crew were conducting a search operation.

Drowning Tragedy in Gujarat

At least seven members of a family, including minors, are feared to have drowned in the Narmada River at Poicha in Gujarat’s Narmada district on Tuesday. The family was reportedly swept away by the river’s strong current.

Search Operations Underway

On Wednesday, local divers from the National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF) and the Vadodara fire team conducted a search operation but have yet to find any traces of the victims. 

Authorities, including a team from the 6BN NDRF in Jarod, Vadodara, reached the scene soon after the incident occurred to assist in the search efforts.

Background and Response

The victims were part of a group from Surat who had traveled to Poicha, a popular summer outing spot for swimming in the Narmada River, located on the border of Vadodara and Narmada districts. 

The area recently saw a ban on local boat operators running boats without a license, although operators on the Vadodara side of the river continue to operate.

Recent Drowning in Maharashtra

This incident in Gujarat follows another tragic drowning in May, where three men from Ambernath drowned in Barvi Dam near Asnoli village in Maharashtra. 

The incident occurred when one man, Suhas, 19, got caught in a strong current while swimming. His friends, Yuvraj and Hrithikesh, attempted to rescue him but were also overwhelmed by the powerful currents and drowned.

Details of the Maharashtra Incident

Local residents and families gathered by the riverside alerted the police about the Ambernath incident. A search operation, supported by villagers and firefighters, was launched immediately. 

After several hours, the bodies of the three victims were recovered. Suhas and Yuvraj were college students, while Hrithikesh worked at a stock broking company. All three were the only children of their parents.

Safety and Awareness

These incidents highlight the dangers of swimming in natural water bodies with strong currents and the importance of safety measures. The ongoing search operations and recent drowning cases emphasize the need for increased awareness and precautions to prevent such tragedies.