Swimming, bathing in sea banned till Sep 15 in Karachi

The Karachi authorities on Tuesday announced a complete ban on bathing, diving and swimming in the sea over fear of increased drowning incidents owing to the monsoon spell and high tides in the Arabian Sea.

According to a notification issued from the office of the Karachi commissioner, the ban would remain imposed within the territorial limits of Karachi from July 15 to Sep 15.

“There is apprehension expressed by the concerned Deputy Commissioners that a large number of public is expected to visit the beaches in Karachi during Eid Holidays and there is every likelihood of drowning incidents occurring due to public bathing and swimming in the sea, owing to the Monsoon spell and high tides in the sea,” the communique stated.

The notification stated that there were sufficient grounds to proceed under section 144 CrPC to avoid any untoward event of drowning and to save the precious lives of the general public.

“The Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners of Karachi Division are hereby authorized to take action against the violators in coordination with the concerned Senior Superintendents of Police and get the violators booked under section 188 PPC in writing in the concerned Police Stations for the violation of Section 144 Cr. P.C,” the notification stated.

Read Two minor boys drown in village pond

Earlier, two young men drowned in separate incidents at Hub River and Gadani beach on July 18.

According to rescuers, 18-year-old Muhammad Akram drowned while swimming in Hub River.

The Edhi Foundation swimmers recovered Akram’s body after an hour-long struggle and shifted it to Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital.

Edhi officials said that Akram, a resident of Liyari, had gone to the river for picnic along with his friends. He was swimming on the bank, but lost control and was pulled in deep water by strong current.

Another youngster, 18-year-old- Ahsan Haq Nawaz, drowned on Gadani beach. Edhi Foundation swimmers recovered the body from the sea.