Three young men from Bengaluru tragically lost their lives after drowning near the famous Shettihalli Rosary Church in Karnataka's Hassan district on Monday. The incident occurred when the group, which had travelled to the region after visiting Dharmasthala, ventured into the water for a swim without realizing its depth.
The deceased have been identified as Manikanta (23), Charan (22), and Milan (20), all residents of Bengaluru. According to preliminary information, the trio had visited the historic Shettihalli Church, a popular tourist destination located near the Hemavathi backwaters, after offering prayers at the renowned Dharmasthala temple.
Police officials said the young men entered the water to swim near the church premises. However, they reportedly underestimated the depth of the water and soon found themselves struggling to stay afloat. Within moments, all three were swept into deeper sections and disappeared underwater.
Local residents and visitors who witnessed the incident immediately alerted emergency services. A rescue operation was launched by personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, who rushed to the spot and began an extensive search of the area.
Rescuers were able to recover the body of Manikanta during the initial phase of the operation. However, as of the latest reports, search efforts were still underway to locate the bodies of Charan and Milan. Divers and rescue teams continued combing the waters despite challenging conditions.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over what was intended to be a spiritual and recreational trip for the group. Family members of the victims were informed about the accident and rushed to Hassan. The news has left relatives and friends in deep shock and grief.
The Shettihalli Rosary Church, often referred to as the "Floating Church," is one of Karnataka's most popular tourist attractions. Situated on the banks of the Hemavathi River, the partially submerged church attracts thousands of visitors every year. During monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, water levels around the structure can rise significantly, creating hidden dangers for those entering the water.
Authorities have repeatedly cautioned tourists against swimming in unfamiliar water bodies, especially near reservoirs and backwater regions where depth levels can change suddenly. Officials said the incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with venturing into deep waters without proper safety measures.
The case has been registered under the jurisdiction of the Gorur Police Station. Police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning and are coordinating with rescue personnel to complete the recovery operation.
Meanwhile, local authorities have urged visitors to exercise caution while exploring tourist destinations near water bodies and to strictly follow safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
