Police rescued two teenagers from drowning at Vadarevu and Suryalanka beaches in Bapatla

Police officers and bystanders carry one of the teenagers rescued from drowning at a beach in Bapatla district on Sunday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Quick rescues by marines and local police averted two beach tragedies in Bapatla district on Sunday (June 14, 2026) when two teenagers were saved from drowning in separate incidents at Vadarevu and Suryalanka beaches.

Bapatla Superintendent of Police B. Umamaheswar Rao said the police had stepped up surveillance and deployed additional personnel along the coast as they expected a large number of tourists over the weekend.

Heroic Rescue by #APPPolice! ♂️🌊

At Vadarevu Beach, 17-year-old Akhilesh was suddenly swept into the sea by a massive wave. SI Karamchedu observed the crisis and immediately alerted the team. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/zK6IQI3Vgc

— Andhra Pradesh Police (@APPOLICE100) June 15, 2026

At Vadarevu beach near Chirala, Akhilesh, 17, of Thotavaripalem village in Chirala mandal, was swept into deeper waters by strong waves while he was with his family and friends. Karamched Sub-Inspector Khader Basha, who was on duty, alerted rescue teams. Edukondalu marine constable and trained swimmers entered the sea with a lifebuoy and brought the teenager ashore. When Akhilesh swallowed sea water and lost consciousness, Mr. Khader Basha, Assistant Sub-Inspector Rural Chirala Vivek and other staff administered first aid before taking him to the Government Hospital in Chirala.

At Suryalanka beach, Kambam Kamal Das, 17, of Karlapalem mandal, was swept into deep water by strong currents while swimming with four friends around 1.45 pm.

The Superintendent of Police commended home guards Naidu Srinivasa Rao and Pesikam Ramesh along with marine police personnel, swimmers and local police teams involved in the rescue.

Mr. Umamaheswar Rao said the police had beefed up security at Chirala, Vadarevu, Ramapuram and Suryalanka beaches on weekends using public address systems and drones to alert visitors. He urged tourists to follow police advice and not go outside the designated safe zones.

Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta praised the Marine Police and the Bapatla police team for risking their lives to save the citizen.

Published – 15 Jun 2026 15:15 IST