Video: Tourist swept away by powerful waves at Goa's Baga Beach, dies

A 33-year-old tourist from Karnataka died after being swept away by powerful waves while sitting on rocks at Baga Beach in north Goa, officials said on Wednesday.

The victim was identified as Sahas Ashpak Masali, a resident of Karnataka's Bijapur district.

According to preliminary information, Masali was sitting on rocks along the shoreline when a series of strong waves, triggered by rough sea conditions, swept him into the water. Despite immediate efforts to trace him, he was carried away by the powerful currents.

Authorities launched a search and rescue operation shortly after the incident. After several hours of searching, rescue teams recovered his body from the shoreline.

A video purportedly capturing the incident has since gone viral on social media, underscoring the dangers of venturing onto rocky stretches during rough sea conditions. The footage appears to show a man struggling in the turbulent waters near the rocks after being overwhelmed by the waves.

With the sea churning violently and visibility poor, an immediate rescue was difficult, while onlookers on the shore could be heard reacting in shock as the incident unfolded.

Following the tragedy, officials once again urged tourists to stay away from rocks along the coastline and avoid entering the sea during high tide or periods of rough weather. They warned that powerful waves can strike without warning, making rocky coastal areas particularly dangerous.

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(Inputs by Ritesh Desai in Goa)