Tamil Nadu: Two Medical Students Drown in Arabian Sea During Gokarna Visit

In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves through the academic community, two final-year MBBS students from SRM Medical College in Tamil Nadu drowned in the sea near Jatayu Teertha, Gokarna, Karnataka. The students were part of an all-girls group of 23 students who had embarked on a celebratory tour after completing their final-year examinations.

The group had chosen the scenic coastal and forested region of Dandeli-Gokarna-Murudeshwar for their post-exam getaway. Organised by Chennai-based Vetri Tours and Travels, the trip was meant to offer a brief respite before stepping into the demanding world of medical practice. However, it ended in tragedy on the evening of April 24.

Post-Exam Celebration Turns Tragic 

Around 6:20 p.m., the group were taken by their tour guide to a beach area near Jatayu Teertha, supposedly to watch the sunset. Two students, Kannimoli Easwaran and Induja Natarajan, ventured into the water where they were caught in a sudden surge of strong waves. A local resident, Mani Raju, tried to rescue them but struggled against the powerful currents himself.

A local adventure team operating nearby quickly responded with a rescue boat. They managed to pull the two students and the local man from the water and brought them to shore. All three were rushed to Gokarna Government Hospital. While Raju survived, the two students were declared dead on arrival.

The bodies were later transferred to the Karwar District Hospital mortuary, where arrangements were made for their families to collect them. The tragedy has triggered widespread grief and criticism over the lack of safety measures and guidance for students unfamiliar with the dangers of coastal waters.

Investigation Underway 

Following the incident, local police filed a case against the tour guide Gandhi Sivakumar and tour operator Vetri Selvan under charges of negligence. According to the initial investigation, the guide allegedly encouraged the students to explore the water without assessing the sea conditions or ensuring safety supervision.

This heartbreaking episode has underscored the urgent need for stricter regulations governing student tours and adventure travel, particularly when inexperienced groups are involved. It serves as a stark reminder that excitement and celebration must never come at the cost of safety and preparation.