At least 13 college students have drowned after swimming in the sea in western India during a picnic. Senior police official Raja Pawar confirmed that 10 women and three men were swept away after they entered the water in Murud, a beach town about 95 miles south of Mumbai.
More than 150 students and teachers from a college in Pune had travelled to Murud for a picnic. Assistant Inspector of Raigad police Arvind Patil stated that the students entered the water around 3.30 pm local time. The victims, aged between 19 and 23, were all students.
The college’s principal, P.A. Inamdar, expressed shock at the tragedy, telling India Today: “We are shocked by this tragedy. We are making all efforts to help the students and their families with the help of the local villagers and police.” He added that a team of trustees had already left for Raigad to provide further assistance.
Mr Pawar said local residents had warned the students not to go far out in the sea, but the advice was ignored. The incident occurred despite warnings about strong currents in the area.
