Bhatkal: Nine Relatives Drown While Collecting Clams at Venkatapura River Mouth
24 May 2026 7:26 PM IST24 May 2026 7:26 PM IST
Two missing after sudden rise in water level near Bhatkal river mouth
Search operations continue after a tragic drowning incident near Tattihaklu village. (Image: Instagram)
Karwar: Nine members of a family, including seven women, died after drowning while collecting clams (edible shellfish with two hard shells joined by a hinge) near the Venkatapura river mouth in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district on Sunday. Two persons are reported missing.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred around 11 am near Tattihaklu village under Bhatkal Rural Police Station limits.
“Locals had gone to collect clams from the Venkatapura Alvekodi river mouth near Tattihaklu village, where the river meets the sea during the morning low tide. Due to the sudden rise in water level, they got stuck in slush and drowned,” Uttara Kannada SP Deepan M.N. said.
“So far, nine bodies have been recovered with the help of local fishermen, while three persons in critical condition have been shifted to the hospital in Manipal for treatment. Also, two more persons are still missing, and search operations are underway to trace them,” he added.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over the incident. “This is an extremely unfortunate and heartbreaking incident. On humanitarian grounds, the state government will provide compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy,” he said.
“There is also information that a few persons are still missing in the incident, and an intensive search operation is underway to trace them. Let us all pray that the missing persons are found alive and reunited with their families,” he added. Search operations are continuing to trace the missing persons.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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