A Family's Joyride Turns to Heartbreak: Three Drown in Andhra Pradesh Reservoir Tragedy

It's a story that truly wrenches the heart, a stark reminder of how quickly joy can turn to unspeakable sorrow. A Sunday evening outing, meant perhaps for a bit of relaxation and fun on the tranquil waters of the Rywada Reservoir in Andhra Pradesh, culminated in an unimaginable tragedy. Three precious lives – a father and his two young daughters – were lost when their small country boat unexpectedly capsized, plunging them into the depths.

The incident unfolded on Sunday, casting a pall of grief over the Anakapalli district, specifically near Nathavaram village. Four individuals had set out on what was described as a joyride, eager to perhaps catch the last rays of the day or simply enjoy the serene environment. Among them were 35-year-old Konathala Srinu and his two daughters, Venkata Lakshmi, aged 16, and Durga, just 14 years old. The fourth passenger was Kondamma, 35.

One can only imagine the sudden terror as the modest vessel, likely ill-equipped for any sudden disturbance, overturned. In an instant, the peaceful excursion transformed into a desperate fight for survival. Sadly, for Srinu and his beloved girls, the struggle was in vain. They succumbed to the waters, a devastating loss for their family and community. Kondamma, however, against all odds, managed to survive the ordeal and was thankfully rescued.

Upon receiving news of the horrific accident, a comprehensive search and rescue operation was immediately launched. Police officials, fire service personnel, and dedicated teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) swiftly converged on the scene. Their efforts were tireless, working through the challenging conditions of the reservoir to locate the missing. It was a race against time, though sadly, for Srinu, Venkata Lakshmi, and Durga, the outcome was already sealed.

Eventually, the heart-wrenching task of recovering the bodies was completed, bringing a somber closure to the immediate search. The authorities have since initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the capsizing. While details are still emerging, this tragic event serves as a poignant, painful reminder of the inherent dangers that can sometimes lurk beneath even the calmest surfaces, and the critical importance of safety precautions on waterways, no matter how small or seemingly benign the outing.