Overview
- Rescue teams recovered the body of 20-year-old Santosh (also reported as Santhosh) Kumar on Sunday after he was swept away at Payyambalam beach during strong waves on Saturday.
- Two other Karnataka visitors were saved: Chirant Sharma was pulled from the sea in a separate morning incident and Manoj was rescued and is receiving treatment.
- Local lifeguards, fishermen, Azhikkal coastal police and the Fisheries Department led the search, and authorities requested assistance from the Ezhimala Naval Academy and the Navy.
- An eyewitness alleged a delayed rescue response and a lack of safety equipment on the beach, a claim that preceded the tourism minister’s pledge to boost lifeguard deployment and install warning signs.
- The victims had visited Kottiyoor temple earlier that day, highlighting a pattern of short trips by pilgrims to local beaches and raising calls for clearer safety measures during rough sea and high-tide conditions.