KARACHI: A picnic turned into tragedy on Saturday when two young men drowned in the sea after they were swept away by strong waves at Hawkesbay beach, police said.

The police said that the victim were identified as 17-year-old Arsalan Imran and Shahab, 20.

Arsalan’s body was recovered while Shahab could not be located despite ongoing efforts. Their third companion, 18-year-old Hasnain, who was also carried away by the strong currents, was saved by rescue teams.

South DIG Syed Asad Raza said the incident occurred around 5:30pm near Hut N-40 on Manora Road.

“All three were residents of Nazimabad and had gone to the beach for a picnic,” the DIG said.

Arsalan’s body was shifted to the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi for medico-legal formalities.

The police said that Shahab’s family had been informed about the incident and a search operation would resume on Sunday morning.

Rescue officials have said that at least eight people have drowned at Hawksbay beach and Hub River since Aug 19.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2025