Two friends drown off Gadani coast

KARACHI: Two young friends from Lahore died after drowning in the sea near Gadani during a picnic trip with a group of companions, according to volunteers of the Edhi Foundation.

The incident took place when five friends, who had travelled from the Market 24 area of Baldia Town to Gadani for an outing, entered the sea for bathing. Edhi Foundation volunteers said the group was caught in rough waters during the visit.

Three of the friends managed to make it out safely, while two others were swept away by the waves and went missing.

Rescue teams reached the area after being informed of the incident and began a search operation. After several hours of efforts, Edhi divers recovered the body of 23-year-old Hammad on Friday night.

The search for 17-year-old Mohsin was halted later in the night because of darkness. The operation resumed on Saturday morning, and his body was subsequently found near rocks along the coastline.

Victims had come from Lahore

Both victims were close friends and residents of Lahore. They had come to Karachi and were staying with relatives near Market 24 in Baldia Town before going to Gadani for the picnic.

Edhi volunteer Waqar said the incident had deeply affected the families. He said the grief was compounded because Hammad's father had died only a few weeks earlier. He also said Hammad was expected to get married soon.

Bodies sent to Lahore

After legal formalities were completed and funeral arrangements were made, the bodies of both youths were handed over to their families.

The bodies were flown to Lahore on Saturday evening for burial.

The drowning occurred during what had begun as a recreational trip to the coast, but ended in the deaths of two members of the group after they were caught in the sea.