The body of a 20-year-old tourist from Bengaluru, who went missing after being swept away by strong waves on the Payyambalam beach in Kannur district of Kerala on Saturday afternoon (June 20, 2026), was recovered on Sunday (June 21, 2026) following an extensive search operation.

The deceased was identified as Santosh Kumar, member of a four-member group from Bengaluru who had visited Kannur during a trip to Kottiyoor.

Santosh was pulled into the sea at around 1.30 p.m. near Bay 4 while venturing nearly 200 metres into the water during high tide. Another member of the group, Manoj, who was also caught in the waves, was rescued by lifeguards and coastal police personnel and is undergoing treatment for injuries.

The body was recovered after a large-scale search led by the Azhikkal coastal police and the Fisheries department with support from fishers, lifeguards and rescue personnel using boats along the Payyambalam coast. Assistance was also sought from the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala. The body was shifted for post-mortem examination and will be transported to his native place in Karnataka later on Sunday.

Separate incident

In a separate incident earlier on Saturday, a 24-year-old Chiranth Sharma from Mysuru was rescued after being stranded in the turbulent sea while swimming with a group of friends near the police aid post on the Payyambalam beach.

Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh, who visited the beach and reviewed the rescue operations, announced that additional safety measures would be introduced, including the deployment of more lifeguards and installation of extra warning boards.

District Collector P. Vishnuraj supervised the rescue effort and directed officials to arrange accommodation and other facilities for members of the Karnataka group.

Authorities have urged visitors to exercise caution while entering the sea, especially during rough weather and high tide conditions.