3 missing as wave takes 5 at Juhu Beach

MUMBAI: Three of a group of five youths from Andheri’s DN Nagar are suspected to have drowned at an isolated part of Juhu Beach, Silver Beach, on Thursday evening at around 5 pm. The youth, who were all non-swimmers, had gone to the beach to bathe, but later waded into deep waters.  However, they could not handle a powerful high wave. Two more young men had accompanied the five youth—Aavesh Shaikh (17) and Aadir Shaikh (20)— who were standing by the shore.

Lifeguards rescued one, out of the five. Later at night, police found Nazir Ghazi (17), who was sent to Cooper Hospital. “Ghazi was declared brought dead,” said Dr Sukhdeo, chief medical officer. The search operation, which was on till late Thursday, for the other three is underway.

The five youths—Fardeen Saudagar (17), Sohail Khan (17), Faisal Shaikh (17), Nazir Ghazi (17) and Wasim Khan (22)— had gone for a swim.

However, around 5pm Thursday, when they entered the rough waters of the sea, they kept going ahead despite not knowing how to swim.

A lifeguard said, “A big wave pulled the youth deep inside, and they all drowned. The lifeguards rescued Wasim Khan.”

One fire engine, a Navy helicopter and FRT team had been deployed to the site.

A lifeguard, stationed on Juhu beach, said, "Silver Beach is an isolated spot on Juhu Beach, which100-110 people visit on an average. There is no sign board, nor any lifeguard."

The source added, "Since there are only seven lifeguards available on Juhu Beach, they are deployed at spots thronged by thousands daily."