Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - A tragic incident unfolded in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district after 10 people drowned in a river near Bhatkal while collecting shellfish. Authorities said the victims were part of a group that had entered the river for shellfish collection, an activity they had reportedly carried out several times before. However, officials suspect a sudden rise in water levels caught them off guard, leading to the deadly accident. Rescue teams managed to save three people from the river.

According to local officials, the group had entered the river area during low water conditions to collect shellfish, a common livelihood activity in the region. Preliminary investigations suggest that the river’s water level increased unexpectedly, possibly due to tidal movement or sudden upstream discharge, leaving many trapped in strong currents. Rescue personnel, police teams, and local residents rushed to the spot after receiving distress calls and launched an emergency search operation. While three individuals were rescued safely, several others could not be saved despite immediate efforts by divers and emergency responders. Authorities have begun investigating the exact cause of the sudden rise in water levels and whether any warning systems or weather related factors contributed to the incident. The tragedy has shocked nearby communities, with local leaders and residents expressing grief over the loss of lives. Officials have also urged people living near rivers and coastal regions to exercise caution during fishing and shellfish collection activities, especially during changing weather and tidal conditions.

The Bhatkal river tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by people dependent on river and coastal livelihoods. As rescue and recovery operations continue, authorities are expected to review safety measures and awareness systems to help prevent similar incidents in the future.