Labourer dies as boat out for illegal sand mining capsizes near Arnala

11 laborers rescued, 1 drowned at Arnala beach in Virar after boat capsized during illegal sand mining. Body of missing laborer recovered.

MUMBAI: 11 laborers were rescued while the search for another who drowned at Arnala beach in Virar continued after a boat carrying them capsized on Monday evening. According to the Virar police, the laborers were involved in illegal sand mining near Virar’s Arnala when the incident occurred.

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Police officials said that on Monday evening, the boat ventured towards Arnala Fort to mine sand with 12 laborers on board. After only half a mile, the boat suddenly capsized. Once the coast guard spotted the boat, they initiated a rescue operation with the assistance of divers.

Eleven labourers were rescued within three hours, but one remained missing. A search operation commenced with the assistance of Arnala police and a Coast Guard helicopter. On Tuesday at 4:30 am, the body of the missing labourer was recovered. The deceased has been identified as Sanjay Shantaram Mukne, 30, a resident of Virar village. The police registered an accidental death report and are conducting further investigations.