"11 members of single family lost their lives": Basavaraj Bommai expresses grief over Uttara Kannada tragedy
Bhatkal, May 25
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai has expressed deep grief over the tragic death of several members of a single family who lost their lives while going to collect mussels in the Tattihakkal River in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district.
Sharing a post on X, Bommai wrote, "11 members of a single family lost their lives while going to collect mussels in the Tattihakkal River in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district has caused immense sorrow to my heart."
He further prayed for the recovery of those who survived and offered condolences to the bereaved families. "I pray that those who have survived receive proper treatment from the state government, and that God grant eternal peace to the souls of the deceased," Bommai added.
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the drowning incident, and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief over the family that died in Karnataka. In a post on X, President Murmu conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of those injured in the incident.
"The news of the tragic loss of lives in an accident in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka is very distressing. I extend my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," the President said.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed sorrow over the incident.
Siddaramaiah said the victims had gone to collect black clams on the Tatthehakalu beach near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district when the tragedy occurred.
"Hearing the news that eight members of a single family, who had gone to collect black clams on the Tatthehakalu beach near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district, drowned in the water and lost their lives has left me deeply distressed. I pray that the departed souls find eternal peace. This is an extremely tragic and painful incident," the Chief Minister wrote on X.
The Karnataka government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who died in the incident.
"On humanitarian grounds, the state government will provide compensation of 5 lakh rupees each to the families of those who perished in the disaster," Siddaramaiah said.
The Chief Minister further said that some people were still reported missing and that search and rescue operations were underway in the area.
"There is also information that some others are missing in this accident, and an intensive search is underway for them. Let us all pray to God that those who are missing return alive and reunite with their loved ones," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Very sad news. 11 members of one family - that's most of a lineage gone. Reminds us how dangerous manual labour can be in rural areas. Hope the rescue teams find the missing ones safely. The authorities should also look into why they had to collect clams in such risky conditions - maybe alternative livelihoods could help prevent this in future.
It's good that leaders from all parties are expressing grief, but I wish we'd see more preventive action. Coastal Karnataka has many such tragedies. The government compensation is welcome, but why not invest in life jackets, safety training, and warning systems for these areas? Beche huye logon ki suraksha bhi zaroori hai (Safety of the living is also important).
Such a tragedy reminds us of the fragility of life. My heart goes out to the family and the community. However, I'm a bit concerned about the varying numbers - first it was reported as 8, then 11. The media should be more careful with facts during such sensitive times. Nevertheless, prayers for the departed souls 🙏.
This is devastating. 11 people from one family going to collect mussels... That's how poor families survive along the coast. I appreciate that compensation has been announced, but with proper safety measures and maybe life insurance for such workers, we could prevent more heartbreaks. The missing ones - hope they're found safe. Om Shanti 🙏.
Very tragic. This is exactly why we need better infrastructure and warnings along coastal areas. The fact that an entire family went to collect clams
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