Ten Family Members Drown in Uttara Kannada Clam Collection Tragedy

A devastating tragedy struck a family in Uttara Kannada district on Sunday when ten members drowned after being swept away by strong currents while collecting clams off Alvekodi Beach in Bhatkal taluk. One person remains missing, and three others have been hospitalized.

Incident Details

Fourteen members of an extended family from Shirali village had ventured into the backwaters around 10 am to collect clams, a seasonal activity commonly practiced by local communities along riverbanks and coastal areas during low tide. According to police, the group moved deeper into the water when the current suddenly intensified. A couple of women were dragged into deeper water, prompting several others to jump in for rescue. However, they too were caught in the strong current. Many of them did not know how to swim.

Sources said the group had been warned about the possibility of high tide in the afternoon. The tragedy occurred around 2 pm.

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Weather Conditions

According to Bhatkal police, heavy rain late on Saturday night had increased the river's flow, while rough sea conditions and high waves are suspected to have caused a sudden rise in the water level. Authorities were yet to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy.

Rescue Operations

Rescue personnel, police teams, and local residents continued search operations in the river. Sources noted that many of those involved in the incident were familiar with clam collection and had done it before.

Government Response

Mourning the tragedy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a solatium of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of each victim. In a post on X, he expressed deep distress over the extremely tragic and painful incident and prayed for the departed souls.