Youth killed as huge waves lash Mumbai shores

A 20-year-old youth lost his life while another was injured on Sunday after they were swept into the sea by huge waves that lashed the promenade at the city shore here.

According to Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) officials, the two brothers were swept into the waters at Marine Drive in South Mumbai on Sunday afternoon as they had ventured into the area despite a warning by the civic body to residents to stay away from the sea.

“The brothers were on the promenade, dangerously close to the waters in Marine Drive, when the tragedy took place. The 20-year-old youth lost his life, while his 17-year-old sibling sustained minor injuries, as he was rescued on time,” said an MCGM official.

He added that the brothers were taken to Gokuldas Tejpal (GT) hospital in South Mumbai, where the injured was administered first aid.

Last week, the MCGM had issued an alert that tidal waves higher than 4.5 metres were likely to hit Mumbai shorelines, and warned Mumbaikars against venturing near the sea.The MCGM also said six teams have been formed for sensitive areas in the metropolis, each comprising members of fire brigade personnel, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and lifeguards.

Comprising of 15 members each, these teams have been deployed in areas like Girgaon, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa beach, Gorai beach and Chowpatty. Meanwhile, City Mayor Sunil Prabhu has appealed to people to stay away from the sea, which has become rough, to avoid recurrence of such incidents.

“The choppy tides that Mumbai has been witnessing claimed a life today (on Sunday). While one brother drowned, the other was injured, but saved due to timely efforts by fire-brigade personnel. I appeal to Mumbaikars to stay away from the sea so that such incidents are not repeated,” said Prabhu in a circular issued to media.

He further said the MCGM was taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of people. “It is also necessary on the part of citizens to take preventive measures to ensure their safety. Citizens are advised to pay heed to the warnings issued by the MCGM,” said the mayor.