2 Drownings in 2 Separate Incidents: Balaclava & Pomponette Hit by Wave Fatalities

Two men have died in separate drowning incidents over the weekend after being swept away by strong waves at the popular coastal spots of Balaclava and Pomponette. Despite the rapid deployment of emergency services, including the National Coast Guard (NCG) and police air support, both tragedies could not be averted.

Young Man’s Body Recovered in the North

The body of a 23-year-old man, Sahil Deena of Camp-Ithier, was recovered on Monday – November 17, after an extensive search operation at Balaclava.

• Mr. Deena was reported missing late Sunday afternoon after he was caught in a strong current while swimming in the lagoon with two friends. The trio was part of a group spending the day in the North.
• Employees of a nearby Boat House raised the alarm. The Trou-aux-Biches Police and NCG immediately launched a search and rescue operation.
• Two of the three friends were rescued and taken care of by a medical team.
• The search for Mr. Deena was suspended overnight and resumed at dawn, leading to the eventual recovery of his body.
• An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia by drowning.
• His funeral took place on, Monday November 17, in Camp-Ithier, leaving his relatives devastated.

Police have confirmed that the area is known to be a difficult swimming zone due to the marine current.

Officers are yet to question the two survivors but plan to seek more details from the friends about the circumstances of the incident.

French National Drowns in the South

Just hours earlier, on Sunday at approximately 5:20 p.m., a second tragedy struck at Pomponette beach in Souillac, in the South of the island.

• Anthony de Luca, a 30-year-old French national, was swept away by strong waves while swimming.
• The police helicopter quickly mobilised and managed to locate the distressed swimmer before NCG personnel recovered him.
• Despite immediate first aid being administered on the beach and the intervention of SAMU, a doctor from the hospital service pronounced the death at 6:05 p.m.
• The victim’s body was transferred to the Souillac Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
• The victim’s relatives, described as being in a state of shock, have not yet given a statement to the police, limiting the initial details about the victim and the circumstances of the event.
• Authorities have confirmed that Pomponette beach is designated as dangerous for swimming and is marked with a public warning sign.

The two dramatic incidents serve as a fresh warning about the dangers of marine currents, even on frequented beaches, and underscore the need for vigilance during the current busy end-of-year period along the coast.

Source: Le Mauricien