Virar: The bodies of two youths who drowned while swimming at Arnala beach in Virar were recovered nearly 36 hours after they went missing. One body was found washed ashore at Arnala beach, while the other was recovered near Julie Island in Naringi, Virar West, on Saturday. Arnala Marine Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) and launched further investigations.The victims were identified as Shoaib Khan (17) and Ayan Mandal (19), both residents of Nalasopara West. According to police, the two were among a group of four friends who had visited Arnala beach on Thursday morning for an outing.Despite rough sea conditions, the four entered the water at around 9 am. They were soon caught in strong currents and began drowning. Lifeguards stationed at the beach rushed to their rescue and managed to save two of the youths. However, Shoaib and Ayan were swept away before they could be rescued.A massive search operation was launched immediately, involving lifeguards, local fishermen, the Arnala Sagri Police and other rescue agencies. The Indian Coast Guard also deployed a helicopter to assist in the search. Despite extensive efforts throughout Thursday, the missing youths could not be traced.The search resumed on Friday morning. Shoaib’s body was found washed ashore at Arnala beach later in the day, while Ayan’s body was recovered a few hours later near Julie Island at Naringi in Virar West. The bodies were sent for post-mortem examination.
