Puri, March 28: In a tragic development, the body of an 18-year-old youth who had gone missing while bathing in the sea on the occasion of Sri Ram Navami was recovered on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Shubhendu Pradhan, a resident of Jajpur. He had come to Puri with his friends on Friday morning for a visit when the mishap occurred.

According to reports, Shubhendu was swept away into deep waters by strong waves during high tide while bathing near a hotel along the sea beach. Despite immediate efforts by his friends and lifeguards, he could not be traced on Friday.

Lifeguards, along with fire services personnel, had launched an extensive search operation using jet skis and other equipment. After hours of continued efforts, his body was recovered from the sea on Saturday.

The body has been sent for post-mortem, and further investigation is underway.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of tourists bathing in the sea at Puri, especially during high tide and festive occasions.