**Tragic Drowning Incident at Sela Lake Claims Lives of Two Tourists**
Two tourists from Kerala tragically drowned after slipping into the frozen waters of Sela Lake in Tawang district on Friday, according to police reports. One body has been recovered, while search operations continue for the second individual.
The victims have been identified as Dinu, 26, who has been found, and Mahadev, 24, who remains missing. They were part of a seven-member tourist group that had traveled to Tawang from Guwahati. The incident occurred in the afternoon when a member of the group fell into the icy lake and began to struggle. In an attempt to rescue him, Dinu and Mahadev entered the water, but while one tourist managed to escape, the two were swept away by the frigid currents.
Superintendent of Police DW Thongon reported that the district administration was alerted to the situation around 3 PM, prompting a joint rescue operation involving local police, central forces, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Despite challenging weather conditions and limited visibility, rescue teams successfully recovered Dinu’s body. However, the search for Mahadev was suspended as darkness fell and conditions worsened, with plans to resume the following morning.
The recovered body has been taken to Jang Community Health Centre for a post-mortem examination scheduled for Saturday. In light of this incident, the district administration has installed warning signboards at Sela Lake and other tourist sites, advising visitors against walking on frozen lakes. An advisory issued in December had already cautioned tourists about the dangers of unstable ice on frozen water bodies.
Sela Lake, situated at an altitude of over 13,000 feet, is a popular tourist destination, but it poses significant risks during winter due to extreme cold and fragile ice cover.
**FAQ**
**What precautions should tourists take when visiting frozen lakes?**
Tourists should heed warning signs, avoid walking on frozen lakes, and stay informed about local advisories regarding ice safety to prevent accidents.