A Fun Morning Turns Into a Tragedy
A 20-year-old man, Vighnesh Murgesh Devendram, drowned in the Arabian Sea near Silver Beach, Juhu, on August 1, 2025. He had gone to the beach with his friend Rajkumar Govind Subba (22) to make an Instagram reel. Sadly, only Rajkumar returned safely.
The two friends entered the water around 8:30 a.m. ignoring warnings from lifeguards. As they moved further into the sea, the waves grew stronger. Both started struggling to stay afloat nearly 200 metres from shore.
Lifeguard Saves One, but the Sea Claims Another
Lifeguard Jitendra Tandel from the Drishti Lifesaving Team saw the two drowning and rushed to help. He managed to save Rajkumar in time. But by then, Vighnesh had already disappeared under the waves.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade received an emergency alert at 10:24 a.m. and joined the search. However, they had to pause the operation at 1:45 p.m. due to high tide and dangerous sea conditions.
Search Continues Through the Day
Despite the challenges, the search for Vighnesh did not stop. Local fishermen, Juhu police, and BMC lifeguards kept patrolling the area. Around 10:30 p.m., they finally spotted his body near the beach. Lifeguards quickly took him to Cooper Hospital, but doctors declared him dead.
Monsoon and Sea: A Deadly Mix
During monsoon, the Arabian Sea becomes rough and unpredictable. Authorities often warn people not to swim or go into the sea. Sadly, many ignore these warnings, often for social media videos or selfies.
In this case, Rajkumar was reportedly filming Vighnesh for a social media reel when the accident happened. While one friend survived, the other lost his life.
Recent Incidents at Juhu Beach
This tragic event is not the only one at Juhu beach recently. Just a few days ago, three men drove their car onto the beach under the influence of alcohol. The vehicle got stuck in wet sand, and officials had to pull it out using a tractor.
These events raise serious concerns about public behavior at beaches and the need for strict safety measures.
A Wake-Up Call for Everyone
Vighnesh’s death reminds us that life is more valuable than any video or social media post. Beaches may look calm, but the sea is powerful, especially during monsoon. Even experienced swimmers can get into trouble.
Officials are again urging people to follow rules, listen to lifeguards, and avoid the sea during dangerous weather. Families, too, must ensure their loved ones stay safe.
This is not the first accident at Juhu beach in recent days. Just a few days earlier, three men drove a car onto the beach under the influence of alcohol. The car got stuck in the wet sand, and the civic team had to pull it out with a tractor after two hours.
Incidents like these show how important it is to follow safety rules at the beach. The sea may look calm from the outside, but it can be dangerous underneath, especially during the monsoon months.
BMC lifeguard Ravi Wadve, who was on patrol duty, reported the body when it came ashore at night. His quick action helped bring closure to the grieving family.
