Five tourists, including four from Bengaluru, were rescued from drowning by alert lifeguards at Gangolli beach. Officials urge beachgoers to remain cautious during high tide.
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Brink of Tragedy Averted: Five Tourists Rescued from Powerful Waves at Gangolli Beach
By Anya D’Souza | Coastal Beat Correspondent | June 9, 2025
Gangolli, Karnataka – A day of joy nearly turned fatal for five tourists on Sunday evening when they were caught in strong rip currents off the coast of Gangolli beach in Udupi district. Thanks to the swift and coordinated response of local lifeguards and emergency personnel, what could have ended in tragedy became a story of heroism and teamwork.
The victims—four tech professionals from Bengaluru and one local woman from Goa—were wading into waist-deep waters during the early evening hours when sudden high waves pulled them farther into the sea. According to eyewitness accounts, panic broke out among beachgoers as shouts for help echoed across the shoreline.
Heroic Lifeguards Save Five Tourists from Drowning Near Gangolli Beach Amid Rough Sea
Split-Second Decisions Saved Lives
At the center of this high-stakes rescue were two seasoned lifeguards: Pruthviraj Oppanda and Pramod Raj Oppanda, who were on active duty when the incident unfolded around 6:15 p.m.
“We saw them being dragged by the current, and we had to act within seconds,” said Pruthviraj. “The waves were rising, and the undertow was strong—one wrong step and we would have lost them.”
The Oppanda brothers, both trained by Karnataka’s Coastal Security Police initiative, launched themselves into the waves with rescue tubes, while beach supervisor Suresh Koderi coordinated crowd control onshore and directed backup.
Medical Backup Was Ready
Meanwhile, a 24/7 stationed ambulance team, led by Ibrahim Gangolli, had already been alerted. The team swiftly prepped oxygen support, thermal blankets, and saline drips in case of hypothermia or fluid loss.
“Two of the tourists were gasping for breath and disoriented when brought back,” said Ibrahim. “Their pulse was weak but stable. The rapid rescue made all the difference.”
Medical checks were conducted on-site, and though visibly shaken, all five tourists were declared out of danger. None required hospitalization.
Identities of the Rescued
Rakesh B. (29), Bengaluru – Software developer
Ankita M. (27), Goa – Freelance writer
Jeevan S. (32), Bengaluru – Systems analyst
Arvind K. (30), Bengaluru – Marketing consultant
Neha R. (26), Bengaluru – Graphic designer
All five were part of two different groups vacationing in the coastal town over the weekend.
Rough Sea Conditions Ignored
According to officials, red flags had been posted at Gangolli beach earlier in the day due to unpredictable currents and a brewing offshore weather system. However, tourists reportedly ignored the warnings, believing the shallows to be safe.
“Despite our clear signage and repeated announcements, many visitors underestimate the sea’s power,” said beach supervisor Koderi. “It takes just seconds to go from knee-deep to catastrophe.”
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an advisory on Sunday morning warning of localized high tide surges due to moon phase alignment and weather disturbances near the Arabian Sea.
Lifeguards on the Frontline: A Thankless Job
Karnataka’s lifeguards have saved over 2,500 lives in the last five years, but their role often goes unnoticed until emergencies strike. Gangolli, a quieter stretch compared to Malpe or Gokarna, has seen a surge in tourist activity post-pandemic, yet infrastructure and staff remain stretched.
“There are only three full-time lifeguards on rotation for this stretch of coast,” said Pramod Raj Oppanda. “On weekends, we sometimes monitor over 300 people.”
Locals have called for better tourist education, multilingual signage, and stricter patrolling during peak seasons.
Official Statements & Safety Appeal
Udupi Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidya Kumari praised the team’s response and urged citizens to respect coastal safety protocols.
“This was a narrowly avoided tragedy. We are proud of our lifeguards, and we appeal to tourists—do not test the sea’s limits,” she said in a press briefing.
She added that the district administration would review protocols for tourist beaches, especially during monsoon transition months when wave unpredictability is high.
Conclusion: Remember the Names Behind the Save
As the sun set over Gangolli that evening, cheers replaced panic. The tourists hugged their rescuers, overcome with gratitude. Social media posts of the incident—some filmed by bystanders—have since gone viral, shining a spotlight on the bravery of ordinary heroes.
In a time when vacation mishaps often make headlines for the wrong reasons, this story stands as a testament to vigilance, preparation, and human courage.
Let it also serve as a reminder: the ocean deserves our respect
