Daijiworld Media Network – Tawang

Tawang, Jan 17: Two tourists from Kerala tragically drowned after slipping into the frozen waters of Sela Lake in Tawang district on Friday, police said. While the body of one victim has been recovered, search operations are underway to trace the second tourist.

Superintendent of Police DW Thongon identified the recovered victim as Dinu (26), while Mahadev (24) remains missing. Both were part of a seven-member tourist group that had travelled to Tawang via Guwahati.

The incident occurred in the afternoon when one member of the group slipped into the frozen lake. Dinu and Mahadev entered the icy water attempting to rescue him. While the third tourist managed to come out safely, the two were swept under the frozen surface.

The district administration received information about the accident around 3 pm, following which a joint rescue operation was launched involving district police, central forces, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Despite challenging weather and low visibility, rescue teams recovered Dinu’s body. The search for Mahadev was halted due to darkness and harsh conditions and is set to resume Saturday morning. The recovered body has been kept at Jang Community Health Centre, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.

SP Thongon said warning signboards have been installed at Sela Lake and other tourist spots cautioning visitors against walking on frozen water bodies. He added that the administration had issued a December advisory highlighting the risks, as ice may be unstable and unable to support human weight.

Situated over 13,000 feet above sea level, Sela Lake is a popular tourist destination but becomes extremely hazardous in winter due to freezing temperatures and fragile ice cover.