Konaseema Tragedy: Eight Youth Missing in Godavari River

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh.On Monday evening, eight young men went missing while bathing in the Godavari River.

Upon receiving the information, locals, police, and rescue teams rushed to the spot and began search operations near Mummidivaram. So far, three bodies have been recovered, and search efforts are ongoing for the remaining missing youths. The SDRF and expert divers have been conducting rescue operations since last night.

The incident occurred after a group of friends who had gathered for a function near Mummidivaram decided to visit the riverbank after their meal. While playing and swimming in the water, one of the boys suddenly started drowning. In an attempt to save him, seven others also got swept away.

The Victims and the Incident Details

According to reports, 11 friends from Kakinada, Mandapeta, and Ramachandrapuram had come to Sherilanka village in K. Gangavaram mandal, Konaseema district, to attend a half-saree function. After the function, they went to the Godavari river for some fun.

While swimming, one youth started drowning. In a desperate rescue attempt, eight of them went missing. However, three of them — Dasari Karunakumar, Medishetti Charan Rohith, and Kanikella Suresh from Kakinada — realized the danger in time and made it out safely.

The missing include:

• Sabitha Kranti Emmanuel (19) and Sabitha Paul (18) from Jagannathapuram, Kakinada
• Thatipudi Nitish (18) and Elumarthi Sai (18)
• Rohith (18) from Mandapeta
• Elipe Mahesh (14) from Sherilanka
• Vadde Mahesh (16) and Vadde Rajesh (14) from Erragaruvu, I. Polavaram mandal

This tragic incident has left the families in deep grief, with many seen crying inconsolably.

Government Response

Locals stated that the youths were unaware of the river’s depth and current. A single slip led to the cascade of tragedy. District Collector Mahesh Kumar and SP Krishnarao personally monitored the rescue efforts.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed deep shock over the incident. The CM spoke with the Collector and ordered that rescue operations be expedited.

This incident stands as a tragic reminder of the dangers of swimming in large rivers without knowing the depth or the strength of the current. The government and police have urged the public to follow water safety rules strictly and called for greater awareness to prevent such accidents in the future.