Vizag beaches claim 425 lives in eight years

Visakhapatnam, July 27: Visakhapatnam beaches are turning out to be a deathtrap for tourists. As may as 425 persons lost lives in the six beaches of the city in the past eight years. According to experts, rip current is the major reason behind the mishaps. Rip currents cannot be detected with naked eye. They trigger strong tides which have the ability to suck up anything that come in their way. Oceanographic experts said that rip currents were forming due to encroachments. Illegal sand mining also increased the depth of sea at several places. The death toll on the beaches was 45 in the previous year and so far 19 persons died this year. Police claim that negligence of tourists was one of the main reason for spurt in mishaps. Lack of public address system and enough signboards indicates the callousness of officials.