10 dead in Bhatkal estuary, one still missing

As many as 10 people, including eight from an extended family, died when they entered the Kalinatti river to collect shellfish near Shirali in Bhatkal district of Uttara Kannada district on Sunday. One person is still missing.

Fishermen and surrounding people rescued 3 people.

Police said, “These were not tourists, but they probably entered the estuary to collect shellfish to eat. They could not predict the strength of the current, which increased due to recent rains. They were swept away by the rising current where the stream meets the sea.”

“They had no boat. They were standing on the sandy ground and started drowning due to the sudden flood. They all died holding hands and pulling each other in fear,” police said.

“The work of collecting shellfish is usually done by women at low tide. But they must not have guessed when the tide was high,” a police officer told reporters.

The identities of the deceased are as follows: 38-year-old Malati Jattappa Naik, 40-year-old Laxmi Mahadev Naik, 40-year-old Laxmi Shivaram Naik, 50-year-old Laxmi Annappa Naik, 25-year-old Umesh Manjunath Naik, 38-year-old Jyoti Nagappa Naik, 45-year-old Mastamma Manjunath Naik, 30-year-old Manjamma Goid Naik, 40-year-old Laxmi Madhav Naik. and 38-year-old Nagarathna Parameshwar Naik.

The missing man’s name was announced as 45-year-old Madeva Bhairappa Naik.

Police, SDRF and Fire and Emergency Services personnel are trying to search for these people.

Those rescued include 60-year-old Madevi Manjunath Naik, 38-year-old Latha Jagadish Naik and 40-year-old Nagarathna Ishwar Naik. They were taken to hospital.

A case was registered at Bhatkal Police Station.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed shock over the incident and announced compensation of ₹ 5 lakh per person to the next of kin of the deceased.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of nine people drowning near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada. I pray that their souls rest in peace and their families find the strength to bear this loss. This is a sad and painful incident. Let us all pray that the missing are found soon and reunited with their families,” the Chief Minister said.