4 Friends Drown at Kakrapar Dam While Trying to Save Each Other

Surat | Gujarat — A joyful outing turned into an unimaginable tragedy in Surat district when four young friends drowned at Kakrapar Dam while attempting to rescue one another. The heartbreaking incident on the evening of May 11 has left the Mandvi region in deep shock and grief, with entire families mourning the loss of their sons.

What began as a routine visit to the dam ended in a fatal chain reaction of bravery and desperation.

“This is a deeply painful incident. The youths lost their lives while trying to save each other,” said a local official.

Rescue Attempt Turns Into Tragedy

According to police, the youths had gone to the Kakrapar Dam canal area in the evening. During the outing, one of the young men suddenly slipped and began drowning in the strong water flow. Seeing their friend struggling, the other three immediately jumped into the canal to rescue him.

But the surge of water and strong currents proved deadly. Within moments, all four were pulled under the water and disappeared.

Locals alerted authorities as panic spread across nearby villages.

Massive Search Operation Overnight

Teams from Mandvi Police and the fire department rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information. Rescue teams launched a large-scale search operation in the dam and surrounding river area.

The operation continued late into the night, but darkness and the strong current made the rescue extremely challenging.

“Initially, the search was difficult due to darkness and the force of the water,” a fire officer said.

After hours of relentless efforts, all four bodies were finally recovered the following day.

The deceased have been identified as Sahil Jitendra Chaudhary, Kaushik Jitendra Chaudhary, Ganesh Nansing Chaudhary, and Praveen Balu Chaudhary

Authorities said the youths were residents of the local area and had visited the dam for recreation.

Mandvi MLA Kunwarji Halpati expressed deep condolences, explaining that the tragedy began when one youth slipped into the dam while watering cattle. The others entered the water in an attempt to save him but became trapped in the strong current.

“Government machinery and emergency teams acted immediately. All four bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem,” the MLA said.

Police Register Accidental Death Case

Mandvi Police have registered a case of accidental death and launched further legal proceedings. The bodies were shifted to hospital for post-mortem examination.