Ten members of a family died in Karnataka’s Karwar shellfish tragedy after drowning in the Tattehakkalu river near Bhatkal during shellfish collection. Rescue teams, including NDRF personnel, continue search operations for one missing family member amid falling water levels.
A tragic drowning incident in Karnataka’s Karwar district has claimed the lives of ten members of the same family after they reportedly got trapped in deep waters while collecting shellfish from a river on Sunday. Rescue teams are continuing search operations for another missing family member as the devastating incident has sent shockwaves across the coastal region.
The incident occurred in the Tattehakkalu river near Bhatkal in Karwar district. According to officials, a group of 14 family members had entered the river to collect shellfish when several of them suddenly lost balance after moving into a deeper section of the water body. The strong current and unexpected depth reportedly made escape difficult, leading to multiple drownings within minutes.
Local residents who witnessed the incident immediately rushed to help and managed to rescue three people from the river. However, ten members of the family could not be saved. Authorities confirmed that all the victims belonged to the same family from Sharadahole in Padushirali village near Shirali in Bhatkal taluk.
Police officials stated that shellfish collection is a common activity in coastal parts of Karnataka, especially when river and sea water levels recede during certain periods. Residents often enter shallow waters to gather shellfish for household consumption and local trade. Preliminary investigations suggest that the family may have unknowingly crossed into a deeper portion of the river while searching for shellfish.
Following the incident, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force were deployed to the area to assist in rescue and recovery operations. Local police teams, along with emergency responders and volunteers, have been conducting extensive searches in and around the river.
Officials said that water levels are expected to recede further, which may help rescuers intensify efforts to trace the missing person. Authorities are also examining whether warning systems or safety measures were absent in the area where the tragedy occurred.
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The heartbreaking incident has triggered widespread grief in the region, with local residents expressing shock over the loss of so many lives from a single family. Authorities have urged people living in coastal and riverbank areas to exercise caution while entering water bodies for fishing or shellfish collection, particularly during unpredictable tidal conditions.
