10 dead in Bhatkal estuary, one still missing

Relatives of the deceased waiting near the mortuary to receive the bodies at Bhatkal on Sunday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

As many as 10 people, including eight from an extended family, died when they entered the Kalinatti stream to collect shellfish near Shirali in Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Sunday. One person is still missing.

Fishermen and others who were nearby rescued three people.

“They were not tourists, but probably entered the estuary to collect shellfish for food. They did not estimate the strength of the current, which had increased due to recent rainfall. They were washed away at high tides at the estuary where the stream flows into the sea,” police said.

“They had no boat. They were standing on the sandy floor and due to the sudden rush of water, they started drowning. They all died while holding hands and pulling each other in fear,” the police said.

“This work of collecting shellfish is usually done by women during low tide. But they probably failed to estimate the time of the tide,” a police officer told reporters.

The deceased have been identified as 38-year-old Malati Jattappa Naik, 40-year-old Laxmi Mahadev Naik, 40-year-old Laxmi Shivaram Naik, 50-year-old Laxmi Annappa Naik, 25-year-old Umesh Manjunath Naik, 358-year-old Naik, J45yog- Mastamma Manjunath Naik, 30-year-old Manjamma Goid Naik, 40-year-old Laxmi Madhav Naik and 38-year-old Nagarathna Parameshwar Naik.

The missing man’s name was given as 45-year-old Madeva Bhairappa Naik.

Police, SDRF and Fire Rescue Service personnel are trying to search for them.

Those rescued are 60-year-old Madevi Manjunath Naik, 38-year-old Latha Jagadish Naik and 40-year-old Nagarathna Ishwar Naik. They were admitted to the hospital.

A case has been registered at Bhatkal police station.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed shock over the incident and announced a compensation of ₹5,000 for each next of kin of the deceased.

“I am deeply affected by the news of nine people who drowned near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada. I pray that their souls rest in peace and that their families are given strength to bear the loss. It is a sad and painful incident. Let us all pray that those missing are found soon and reunited with their families,” the Chief Minister said.

Published – 24 May 2026 19:31 IST