A routine morning dip turned into a near-tragedy at Swargadwar Beach on Monday when five tourists were swept away by a massive rogue wave. The victims, identified as four members of the Kanoji family from Chhattisgarh and one from Maharashtra, were dragged into deep waters near Sector 10.
The crisis was averted by the swift action of recently deployed lifeguards—Mahendra Behera, P. Tirupati, K.D. Behera, and A. Bhagwan—who plunged into the high surf to pull the struggling swimmers to safety.
Rapid response by on-site lifeguards ensured all five reached the shore safely.
Following primary treatment on the sand and a medical check-up, all five are confirmed out of danger.
Authorities continue to urge tourists to heed beach warning flags and stay within designated safe zones.