PUDUCHERRY: Three tourists, including a woman, drowned after being swept away by strong waves at Chinna Veerampattinam Beach near Ariyankuppam in Puducherry on Saturday. Two others, who were rescued by security staff, are undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Post Graduate Institute (IGGGHPGI) in Puducherry. Their condition remains critical.
According to sources, the victims — identified as Pawan Kumar (25) from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, Megha (29) from Shimoga in Karnataka, Brejwal Methi (23) from Hubli in Karnataka, Aditi (23) from Gujarat, and Jeevan (23) from Karnataka — were part of a 12-member group of friends, employed in Bengaluru, who had arrived in Puducherry on Friday for a leisure trip.
On Saturday morning, the group entered the sea near the Chinna Veerampattinam beach. According to sources, despite warnings and safety ropes set up by beach security personnel, five of them ventured beyond the safe zone. Suddenly, a powerful wave struck, pulling Pawan Kumar, Megha, Brejwal Methi, Aditi, and Jeevan into deeper waters.
Hearing the screams, onlookers and security staff rushed to their aid. Aditi and Jeevan were rescued alive and brought to the shore. However, Pawan Kumar, Megha, and Brejwal Methi could not be saved, sources added.