Mumbai – What began as a sacred farewell turned into heartbreak on Saturday evening, when a high tide swept away three men during an ash immersion ceremony at Worli’s Lotus Jetty. Two of them tragically lost their lives, while a third was rescued in critical condition.
The victims, Santosh Vishweshwar (51) and Kunal Kokate (45), were pulled under the water by a powerful wave around 3:45 PM, moments after they stepped into the sea to perform the last rites. Vishweshwar had lost his mother recently and was accompanied by Kokate and their friend Sanjay Sarvankar (58), a GST inspector who is currently recovering in hospital.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the trio ignored official warnings about high tide conditions and ventured close to the water despite visible signs and barricades. As the tide surged, a massive wave struck, instantly dragging the three into the rough sea. Local fishermen and police personnel stationed nearby acted swiftly. Sarvankar managed to cling to a rope and was rescued in time. Vishweshwar and Kokate, however, could not be saved despite immediate efforts.
They were rushed to Nair Hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival. The BMC had issued high tide alerts for the week, noting particularly dangerous sea conditions between June 24 and 28, with Saturday’s tide peaking at 4.64 meters.
Residents familiar with the area expressed sorrow and frustration. One local fisherman shared that arrangements had been in place for safer immersion practices, including police supervision and designated spots to limit sea entry. “But people still choose to go into the water, believing nothing will happen to them,” he said.
Authorities reiterated the importance of public cooperation, especially during monsoon months when tides are unpredictable and aggressive. Despite consistent warnings, civic officials continue to struggle with enforcing safety norms at immersion points across the city.
This latest tragedy is a sobering reminder of how quickly moments of spiritual closure can turn into irreversible loss—especially when nature’s warnings go unheeded.
