In a tragic incident, three youngsters from Arilova area in the city were feared drowned while swimming in the beach near Jodugullapalem area on Thursday.
According to reports, a group of 10 youngsters of Balajinagar area in Arilova went to Jodugullapalem beach for a swim to beat the summer heat. While five of them went a little deep into the sea, the others were close to the shore.
According to survivors, a big wave swept away all the five who went deep into the sea. While two of them swam to safety, the three others were missing.
The missing were identified as Samuel Raju (19), an autorickshaw driver, Lokesh (20), a painter, and Vijay Kumar (20), a mechanic by profession.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Coastal Security Police) Narasimha Rao said that two boats of CSP were pressed into service for rescue operation along with community life guards and local fishermen, but till late in the evening there was no trace of the missing persons.
The police also set up Aska tower lights on the beach and the search operation would continue throughout the night.
Earlier cases
The beaches in Visakhapatnam have been witnessing regular drowning cases and despite the warnings people still venture into the sea.
In 2010 there were about 45 deaths, in 2011 it was 52 and in 2012 it was 42. In 2013 the count was 40 and in 2014 it was over 30.
