Tragedy struck at North Goa's Querim beach on Sunday as four individuals, including three minors, drowned while taking selfies. The police have identified the deceased as Sakina Khatum, 17, Mohammed Vakil Ali, 25, Thabstun Khatun, 12, and Mohammed Ali, 16, all residents of Candolim in North Goa.
According to the police, the group climbed onto rocks close to the shore to click selfies but were knocked over by a wave. The bodies of all four were recovered, with two being fished out on Sunday and the other two on Monday.
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The lifeguarding agency reported that a group comprising 20-22 individuals were walking towards Arambol Sweet Lake from Querim beach when the four individuals climbed onto rocks to take selfies close to shore, which had a ‘no selfie zone’ signboard. Despite the presence of cautionary signboards suggesting danger, the four individuals ventured towards the rocky area and were hit by a sudden wave that knocked them over into the sea. The lifesaver on duty launched an immediate rescue operation.
While two of the victims were brought to the shore where a team of lifesavers administered CPR, the state emergency services were also informed. However, they were declared dead on arrival at the Community Health Center in Pernem.