Two tourists from Rajasthan drowned and three others were hospitalized after being swept away by a sudden, powerful tide while bathing on Puri beach on Monday afternoon.
A group of nine tourists had ventured into the sea around 5:00 PM, ignoring repeated safety warnings and high-tide advisories from on-duty lifeguards. A strong wave pulled five members of the group deep into the water.
Swift rescue operations by police, fire services, and lifeguards managed to pull four individuals ashore. One succumbed during medical treatment, while a subsequent search led to the recovery of the missing tourist's body. The deceased were identified as Chutara Ram, 23, and Padma Ram, 22. The three surviving tourists are currently receiving medical treatment.
Expressing deep concern over the tragedy, Puri Police have issued a strict advisory urging all visitors to strictly adhere to lifeguard instructions and avoid entering the sea during high tide.