Ratnagiri: A devastating incident occurred on Saturday evening at the renowned Are-Ware sea beach in Ratnagiri. Four tourists from Thane-Mumbra drowned in the sea and died. The casualties comprise three females and one male. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 pm when these vacationers were caught in the powerful sea waves while swimming at the beach.
The individuals who passed away have been recognized as Uzma Sheikh, 18 years old, Umera Sheikh, 29 years old, Zainab Kazi, 26 years old, and Junaid Kazi, 30 years old. Based on the information gathered, they all visited Ratnagiri to see their relatives and took a stroll on the beach on Saturday. In spite of the Meteorological Department's alert and the advice from local fishermen, all the tourists arrived in the turbulent sea, which was salty and fierce. Owing to rain and poor weather, the sea's waves were exceptionally tumultuous.
As reported by witnesses, all four individuals were enjoying themselves in the ocean when unexpectedly, a powerful wave swept them away. Nearby villagers and fishermen rushed into the water to help, but it was already too late. All four bodies were found in approximately 30 minutes. Upon receiving the information regarding the incident, Senior Inspector Rajendra Yadav from the Ratnagiri Police Station arrived at the location with his team and commenced the initial investigation by creating the Panchnama. The remains have been dispatched for autopsy to Ratnagiri Civil Hospital.
Previous accidents are displayed on warning boards at Aare-Ware beach, indicating No Swimming and Dangerous Sea. Regardless, each year a significant number of visitors disregard these alerts and go into the ocean, resulting in mishaps. The local authorities and the Coast Guard continually urge against entering the sea during the monsoon season.
In light of this incident, local citizens are calling for increased safety measures, including the presence of guards at high-risk areas like Aare-Ware beach and stricter regulations for tourists during the monsoon, emphasizing the fatal consequences of ignoring safety warnings.
