Two foreigners pulled in by strong currents die

29 December 2017 08:20 pm - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A Dutch woman and a Poland national succumbed to the injuries they suffered after they were pulled into the deep sea by strong currents off Koggala in Habaraduwa and Thalpe in two separate incidents today, the Police said.

They said the 67-year-old female tourist from the Netherlands was pulled into the sea by strong currents while swimming in the Koggala sea. Although she was rescued by the lifesavers, she died on admission to hospital.

In Thalpe, a 53-year-old Poland tourist was rescued by residents while he was pulled into the sea. He also died on admission to hospital, the Habaraduwa Police said.

The autopsies of the two victims were performed at the Karapitiya Hospital, the Police said. (Sumathipala Diyagahage)

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Comments - 6

Brainmaster Friday, 29 December 2017 09:00 PM

Obviously the lifesavers should be trained also in reanimating technics. via DM Android App

Wise Donkey Friday, 29 December 2017 09:23 PM

There have been many such incidents involving tourists. We have to find a way to guide them from these danger zones. This will turn out to be bad publicity for tourism.

Gamage Saturday, 30 December 2017 04:49 AM

Most of the Southern coastline is not a very friendly sea for anybody who do not know how to swim against high waves and sudden currents. Only "very small beach stretches" covered by coral reefs like a part of Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna beaches are safe areas still before the high tides. So, tourists should be warned the danger of the Southern coastline.

dinesh Saturday, 30 December 2017 08:43 AM

Sri Lankan authorities must pay more attention to safety and have proper information and hazard identification at beaches and tourist sites. Simple things like cordening off safe swimming areas are common practice. Why dont we have even the basics in place in our country. Arracting tourists is one thing but we must be able to retain them by providing safe comfortable and enjoyable experiences.

Tourism Saturday, 30 December 2017 06:44 PM

As someone who worked in tourism, I can assure that everyone coming here is informed of safe and unsafe areas to swim on every coast (southern, eastern etc). If people don't follow guidelines then only the lifeguards can help which is also obviously not a guarantee. Stop blaming everything of about Sri Lanka and do something to steer our country towards success

dinesh Sunday, 31 December 2017 07:35 PM

I've not seen a single beach that has safe swim zones cordoned off. At most what we have are red flags. But its unlikely that tgese tourist were swimming in a red flagged area. Cordening off safe zones is basic practice in beaches patronized by tourists. If the authorities dont do it who will?

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Two foreigners pulled in by strong currents die

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