By The News Observer Desk,
Bhatkal: In a heartbreaking tragedy, eight members of the same family lost their lives after being swept away by rough sea waves while collecting shellfish near Alvekodi beach in Shirali village.
The incident occurred on Sunday when a group of 13 people from the area ventured into the sea to gather kappe chippu (oyster shells). Strong waves caught them off guard, leading to the deaths of eight people—all from the same family hailing from the Shirali Sharadhole Herihitlu area. The remaining members of the group are still missing.
Six bodies have been placed at the Bhatkal Government Hospital mortuary, while the other two are at the RNS Private Hospital.
Local leaders, including former MLA Sunil Nayak, Govind Nayak, and Congress Block President Venkatesh Nayak, visited the spot and met the grieving family members to offer their condolences and support.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Lakshmi Mahadev Naik (38), Padushirali–Sharadolle, Bhatkal
- Lakshmi Mahadev Naik (as recorded in official list)
- Lakshmi Shivarama Naik (39), Padushirali–Sharadolle, Bhatkal
- Umesh Manjunath Naik (42), Padushirali–Sharadolle, Bhatkal
- Mastamma Manjunath Naik (43), Padushirali–Sharadolle, Bhatkal
- Lakshmi Annappa Naik (44), Padushirali–Sharadolle, Bhatkal
- Jyothi Nagappa Naik (37), Sharadolle–Hirehitlu
- Malathi Jattappa Naik (38), Padushirali–Sharadolle, Bhatkal
Three members of the group are still missing. The missing have been identified as:
- Madev Jattappa Naik (52), Padushirali–Sharadolle, Bhatkal
- Manjamma Gotsa Naik (50), Padushirali–Sharadolle, Bhatkal
- Nagaratna Parameshwar Naik (40), Padushirali–Sharadolle, Bhatkal
Among the survivors, two individuals — Nagaratna Eshwar Naik and Madevi Naik — are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile Chief Minister Siddaramaih has declared the compensation of Rs. 5 Lkahs to the each deceased.
This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the close-knit fishing community, once again highlighting the risks faced by those who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
Meanwhile Mankala Vaidya District Incharge Minister who is also the MLA from Bhatkal and former Minister and Haliyal MLA R. V. Deshpande have expressed their shock and grief over the incident.
(Reporting by Shailesh Vaidya Bhatkal)
