Six people, including two children, part of a large group of picnickers, drowned on Friday at Gadani picnic point in Hub district of Balochistan, DawnNewsTV reported.

According to Gadani police, the deceased include four women and two children — reportedly aged between seven and 12 years.

The tragedy occurred at around 12 noon when one of the children had started to drown. One by one, they attempted to rescue the child — and subsequently one another — when strong currents started to pull them under.

Miraculously, a 15-year-old girl was rescued alive and bodies of three women recovered. However, the bodies of two children and one woman have not yet been recovered, police said.

Pakistan Navy launched rescue operations which were brought to a halt when it became dark.

The visitors are all said to have travelled from Karachi for the beach trip.

The sea off Gadani is known for its dangerous currents. Gadani is about 30 miles west of Karachi.