Kerala Student Drowns In Latvia, Indian Embassy Assures Support To Family

An Indian student from Kerala, Albin Shinto, is suspected to have drowned while swimming in the Jugla canal in Riga, Latvia, according to a report by the country's public broadcaster LSM.

The incident occurred on July 18 around 6 pm (IST) when Shinto and four friends went swimming. Eyewitnesses reported that Shinto disappeared beneath the waves during the swim.

Photo Credit: Instagram/albinshinto_

Arhik Haries, one of Shinto's friends, recounted that Shinto began to struggle while swimming and started to drown. Two friends attempted to rescue him but faced difficulties due to the waves, reported Hindustan Times.

A passing fisherman managed to save the rest of the group, but Shinto was lost beneath the waves.

Police and rescuers, including a diver, quickly arrived to conduct a rescue operation. Despite a search effort lasting two to three hours, Shinto was not found, and the operation was called off as night approached.

Rescuers informed the group that the search could only resume on Monday due to limited resources for extensive searches.

Shinto's family in Kerala is devastated by the news. Haries stated, "His parents are crying in India, the Indian embassy is calling the police, but no-one is helping us. At least we need to get the body to give to his family."

In response to the incident, the Indian Embassy in Latvia posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Embassy is in regular contact with Latvian authorities regarding the unfortunate incident of suspected drowning of an Indian student in Riga. We remain in touch with the family and will continue to extend all possible help."