Karnataka: Three Engineering Students Drown In Resort Pool

On a tragic note, three engineering students from Mysuru their untimely demise at a resort's swimming pool near Ullal Beach, leaving a community in shock and raising serious concerns about safety measures at such recreational facilities. Nishita M D, Parvati S, and Keerthana N, all 21 years old and in their final year engineering studies, were identified as the victims of this heart-wrenching incident. The group had checked into the 'Vazco' resort on November 16, hoping for a leisurely break from their studies.

The unfortunate event unfolded when Nishita, who lacked swimming skills, ventured into the pool and found herself in distress. Parvati dived in attempting a rescue, but both struggled to stay afloat. In a desperate bid to save them, Keerthana joined, but tragically, all three drowned. The absence of a lifeguard at the scene and the girls' unfamiliarity with swimming compounded the tragedy. Disturbingly, closed-circuit television footage revealed their frantic attempts to escape the water and their unanswered cries for help, highlighting the deserted nature of the pool area at the critical moment.

Mangaluru Police Investigate Resort's Safety Practices

In the aftermath, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal confirmed the cause of death as "accidental drowning" and pointed out significant safety oversights at the 'Vazco' resort. His observations included the lack of essential life-saving equipment, the absence of lifeguards, and unclear depth indicators in the pool area. Despite seven employees reportedly being on duty, none responded to the emergency, raising grave questions about the resort's readiness to handle such situations.

Authorities have taken decisive action in response to the incident, sealing the resort and initiating steps to temporarily revoke its trade license and other tourism-related permits. Ullal police are conducting thorough investigations to assign responsibility and implement measures to prevent recurrence of such avoidable tragedies. The community and the victims' families await justice and assurances that resorts will prioritize safety to protect their guests.

In light of these events, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and the presence of trained lifeguards at swimming pools, especially in establishments catering to leisure seekers. As investigations continue, there is a collective call for increased vigilance and improved safety standards across recreational facilities to ensure such a sorrowful event never happens again.