A 35-year-old tourist from Karnataka was swept away by a high tide off the coast of Goa on Thursday, June 25, after ignoring repeated warnings from locals and lifeguards. His body was recovered hours later by a search team, police confirmed.
Incident Details
The victim, identified as Ravi Kumar from Bengaluru, was visiting the popular beach of Candolim in North Goa. Around 4:30 PM, despite red flags indicating dangerous sea conditions and warnings from beach patrols, he entered the water. Witnesses said he ventured far into the sea, ignoring shouts from lifeguards.
A strong wave swept him away as he attempted to return to shore. Lifeguards immediately launched a rescue operation, but rough seas hampered efforts. The Goa Fire and Emergency Services and local fishermen joined the search.
Recovery of Body
After a four-hour search, Kumar's body was found near the Sinquerim Beach, about 2 kilometers from where he was last seen. He was declared dead at the scene. Police have registered a case of accidental death and sent the body for post-mortem.
According to Dattaram Patil, a local lifeguard, “We repeatedly warned him not to go into the water. The currents were extremely strong due to the high tide. But he did not listen.”
Warnings Ignored
Goa has witnessed several such incidents this monsoon season. Authorities have urged tourists to adhere to safety advisories and avoid swimming in the sea during high tide. The Goa Tourism Department has increased patrols and installed warning signs in multiple languages.
“This is a tragic reminder that safety guidelines are meant to be followed. We appeal to all visitors to respect the sea and heed warnings,” said a spokesperson for the Goa Disaster Management Authority.
Statistics and Impact
According to data from the Goa State Disaster Management Authority, at least 12 tourists have drowned off Goa's coast in 2026 so far, a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Most incidents occur during the monsoon season (June-September) when high tides and rip currents are common.
The incident has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of beach safety rules. Local activists demand that violators be penalized to deter such behavior.
