The holy dip in the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of Maha Sivaratri turned tragic for two families from Arilova area in Visakhapatnam, as one member from each family drowned in the sea near Sagar Nagar on Wednesday.
The deceased were identified as Duvvi Siva Prasad (49) and K. Ramana (45), both residents of Arilova area.
According to the police, about 50 persons from parts of Arilova came to the beach near Visakha Valley School Road to take a holy dip in the sea on Wednesday morning after staying awake all the night. Despite warnings from the police, people ventured deep into the waters. According to a police official, Prasad, his son Yashwanth, and Ramana ventured into the water when a big wave swept them.
Rescued
While Yashwanth was rescued by the fellow residents, Prasad and Ramana were sucked deeper and their bodies were fished out later.
Ramana was an electrician, while Siva Prasad was an employee with a private firm. Meanwhile, a person who had gone for a swim at Rushikonda beach reportedly developed seizure and was being sucked deeper, when swimmers present at the spot, rescued him.
Another 35-year-old person who had gone missing at Jodugulapalem beach after he was pulled in by strong waves, was rescued by the swimmers.