Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – In a heartbreaking conclusion to a rescue operation, the body of the second Kerala tourist was retrieved from the frozen waters of Sela Lake on January 17, following a fatal incident that claimed two lives the previous day. The victims, both young men from Kerala, drowned while attempting to save a fellow group member who had fallen through the fragile ice surface.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the severe risks associated with high-altitude frozen water bodies during winter, prompting renewed emphasis on safety advisories for tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh’s scenic yet perilous attractions.
Sequence of Events at High-Altitude Sela Lake
The mishap unfolded on January 16 when a group of seven tourists from Kerala ventured near the iconic Sela Lake, situated at an elevation exceeding 13,000 feet in Tawang district. One member accidentally slipped and fell through the thin ice layer covering the lake, struggling in the freezing water.
Two brave companions—Dinu (26) and Mahadev (also reported as Madhav/Mahadev, 24)—immediately entered the icy depths to attempt a rescue. While a third rescuer managed to escape safely, Dinu and Mahadev were swept beneath the frozen surface and drowned. The incident was reported to authorities around 3 pm that afternoon.
Intensive Joint Rescue Operation Overcomes Harsh Conditions
A multi-agency response was mobilized swiftly, involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) from Bomdila, Indian Army, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), district police, and local administration. Despite extreme cold, poor visibility, and challenging terrain, rescuers recovered Dinu’s body on January 16 during the initial phase.
Operations were temporarily halted after nightfall due to safety concerns but resumed early on January 17 at around 8 am. Four divers from SDRF and the Army were deployed to tackle low underwater visibility and persistent harsh weather. Around 10:10 am, Mahadev’s body was successfully located and brought to shore from the same spot.
Both bodies were transported to Jang Community Health Centre for post-mortem examinations.
Official Response and Safety Warnings
Tawang Superintendent of Police D W Thongon confirmed the recoveries and detailed the collaborative efforts that made them possible. He stressed that warning signboards are prominently installed at Sela Lake and other tourist spots, explicitly advising against walking on frozen water bodies.
The district administration had issued a prior advisory in December, cautioning visitors about the instability of ice on high-altitude lakes, which often cannot bear human weight despite appearing solid. Authorities reiterated the importance of heeding these guidelines to prevent such avoidable tragedies in Arunachal Pradesh’s winter landscape.
Broader Implications for Tourism Safety
Sela Lake, a stunning tourist draw near the Sela Pass, attracts visitors with its pristine beauty and cultural significance. However, its location in the eastern Himalayas exposes it to sub-zero temperatures and unpredictable ice conditions, making it particularly hazardous during the colder months.
This incident serves as a somber reminder for tourists, especially those from warmer regions like Kerala, to exercise extreme caution and rely on local guidance when exploring frozen natural sites. It underscores the need for continued awareness campaigns and possibly enhanced barricading or restricted access in vulnerable areas.
As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and reinforcing preventive measures to safeguard future visitors to Arunachal Pradesh’s breathtaking yet unforgiving highlands.
Relevant Tags
Sela Lake Drowning, Kerala Tourists Tragedy, Tawang District Incident, Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Safety, Frozen Lake Accident, SDRF Rescue Operation, High-Altitude Risks, Tourist Deaths Arunachal, Winter Hazards Northeast, Tawang Police Advisory
Hashtags
#SelaLakeTragedy #KeralaTourists #ArunachalPradesh #TawangDrowning #TouristSafety #FrozenLake #NortheastNews #RescueOperation #HighAltitudeRisks #ArunachalWinter
