Bhatkal: A 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old youth drowned in the Arabian Sea at Hadeen Mullihitlu on Sodigadde beach, approximately 10 km from the city, on Sunday evening.

The 14-year-old, identified as Inamullah, son of Maulana Niamatullah Askiri Nadvi, was recovered from the sea but unfortunately passed away while being transported to the hospital. The search for the 22-year-old, identified as Hafiz Kashif Nadvi, son of Ismail Ruknuddin, remains ongoing.

Inamullah and Kashif were cousins.

According to an eyewitness, about eight to ten people arrived at the beach in two or three auto-rickshaws. Inamullah and Kashif entered the sea to swim while the others remained on the shore. Inamullah ventured too far out and found himself in distress, prompting him to call for help. Kashif attempted to rescue him but unfortunately drowned before he could reach his cousin.

Witnesses on the shore alerted nearby fishermen, who rushed to assist. They managed to rescue Inamullah but were unable to locate Kashif, who had disappeared beneath the waves.

Despite efforts to revive him, Inamullah succumbed before reaching the hospital. At the time of writing this report, the search for Hafiz Kashif was still active, with no success.

News of the incident quickly spread on social media, prompting hundreds of youths to gather at the scene. A human chain was organized by youths from the city, and local fishermen deployed small boats in the ongoing search effort.

Fire Brigade personnel and Rural Police Inspector Chandan Gopal, PSI Mayur Patanshetty, along with other police personnel, were present at the scene.