Swift rescues by Marine and local police personnel averted two tragedies at beaches in Bapatla district on Sunday (June 14, 2026), when two teenagers were saved from drowning in separate incidents at Vadarevu and Suryalanka beaches.

Bapatla Superintendent of Police B. Umamaheswar Rao said the police had stepped up surveillance and deployed additional personnel along the coast, anticipating heavy tourist footfall over the weekend.

At Vadarevu Beach near Chirala, Akhilesh, 17, of Thotavaripalem village in Chirala mandal was swept into deeper waters by strong waves while with his family and friends. Karamchedu Sub-Inspector Khader Basha, who was on duty, alerted the rescue teams. Marine constable Edukondalu and trained swimmers entered the sea with a lifebuoy and brought the teenager to shore. As Akhilesh had swallowed seawater and lost consciousness, Mr. Khader Basha, Chirala Rural Assistant Sub-Inspector Vivek and other personnel gave first aid before shifting him to the Government Hospital in Chirala.

At Suryalanka Beach, Kambam Kamal Das, 17, of Karlapalem mandal was dragged into deep water by strong currents while swimming with four friends around 1.45 p.m. Marine and Bapatla Rural police personnel entered the sea with life jackets and lifebuoys and rescued him.

The Superintendent of Police commended Home Guards Naidu Srinivasa Rao and Pesikam Ramesh, along with the Marine Police personnel, swimmers and local police teams involved in the rescues.

Mr. Umamaheswar Rao said the police had strengthened security at Chirala, Vadarevu, Ramapuram and Suryalanka beaches over weekends, using public address systems and drones to alert visitors. He urged tourists to follow police advisories and not venture beyond the designated safe zones.

Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta commended the Marine Police and Bapatla police team for risking their lives to save a citizen.