Mumbai selfie deaths: Search widens as rescuers fail to locate bodies

More than 24 hours after two people drowned at Bandstand in Bandra (West) on Saturday, authorities have not yet recovered their bodies.

More than 24 hours after two people drowned at Bandstand in Bandra (West) on Saturday, authorities have not yet recovered their bodies.

The search operations have now been broadened to areas such as Mahim, Dadar and Worli in Mumbai. (Satish Bate/HT)

Three girls had slipped into the sea while clicking a selfie on Saturday. Ramesh Walunj, a driver who was passing by, heard their cries for help and rescued two girls but was washed away when he went in for his third save.

The search operations have now been broadened to other areas such as Mahim, Dadar and Worli.

At present, only the Indian Coast Guard and local fishermen are trying to locate the bodies.

“During the day, one Chetak helicopter and one coast guard ship were sent for search operations but we could not locate the bodies. We do not conduct search operations at night but will resume our search from Monday morning,” said defence chief public relations officer Commander Rahul Sinha.

Apart from the coast guards, local fishermen are also trying their luck using their boats in Mahim and Bandra area, said Walunj’s relative.

“We have asked all the police stations near coastal areas to keep an eye and inform us if they spot anything. We stopped search and rescue operation on Saturday evening after sunset,” said PS Rahangdale, chief fire officer.

Read: Woman drowns while clicking selfie with friends at Bandra Bandstand