Overview

• Four family members—Uzma Shaikh (18), Umera Shaikh (29), Zainab Qazi (26) and Junaid Qazi (30)—drowned on July 19 after entering the rough monsoon-swollen waters at Aare-Ware Beach despite warning signs.
• Police led by Senior Inspector Rajendra Yadav recovered all bodies within 30 minutes, conducted an on-site Panchnama and have completed autopsies at Ratnagiri Civil Hospital.
• The India Meteorological Department’s yellow alert for Ratnagiri remains in effect through July 25, with forecasts of heavy rainfall and hazardous sea conditions.
• Prominent warning boards at Aare-Ware Beach prohibit swimming, but repeated noncompliance by visitors has contributed to multiple drownings during the monsoon season.
• Local residents and fishermen are urging authorities to station permanent lifeguards and enforce stricter monsoon-era safety protocols to avert future tragedies.