Mangalore: Aspiring engineer drowns at Panambur

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Apr 8: Akash K R (17), a student of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya from Chikmagalur, drowned at Panambur beach here on Sunday April 7. The student, a native of Kadur, was here with a group of students to appear for All India Engineering Entrance Examination.

Akash happens to be the first victim in over four years at Panambur beach. The last time visitors lost their lives here was in 2009 when three tourists drowned. Yathigh Bykampady, chief executive officer of Panambur Beach Development Project, said that the fatalities here had been averted after lifeguards were employed at the beach by the project.

“The students were busy having fun and frolic in the sea water, and failed notice Akash getting caught in the undercurrent. By the time the lifeguards came to his rescue, Akash was in very serious condition. He was rushed to NMPT Hospital with foam in his mouth, but the doctors declared him brought dead,” he explained. He also added that the lifeguards had saved about 74 persons from the jaws of death during the last four years.

Akash, it is learnt, had got admission into Bosco Coaching Classes in the city to prepare for the engineering entrance examination. The incident occurred at around 4.00 pm, within minutes of the group of students ventured into the sea.

It is gathered that he was the only son of Ramesh Naik, a teacher by profession.