Mulki: Rescue attempt ends youth’s life

A youth drowned while collecting clams near Kolachikambala on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Abhilash (24).

According to locals, a group of approximately 10 youths from the Bajpe’s Adyapady had come to a river estuary near Sasihitlu Munda Beach at 7 am to pick clams from the riverbed. Four of them got into the river.

Tragically, Dhanush, Jeevan, and another, who reportedly did not know how to swim, found themselves caught in the currents. Meanwhile, Abhilash reportedly went to rescue them and also got trapped by the currents.

Fishermen, alerted by the distress calls of the youths, managed to rescue three individuals. However, Abhilash remained untraceable until nightfall. He was an employee of the Railway department in Mangaluru.

Locals said that the river near Kolachikambala poses significant dangers, especially during high tide when the water level extends approximately 2 km. Initially appearing empty, the riverbed suddenly fills with water from all directions during high tide, reaching depths of about four to five feet.

Despite warnings and advisories against entering the water, locals lament that such cautions often go unheeded.

A case has been lodged at the Surathkal police station.