Puri, March 17: An unfortunate incident was reported from Puri on the occasion of Sri Ram Navami, where an 18-year-old youth went missing while bathing in the sea.

The missing youth has been identified as Shubhendu Pradhan, a resident of Jajpur. According to reports, he had come to Puri with his friends on Friday morning for a visit and was bathing in the sea near a hotel when the incident occurred.

Eyewitnesses said Shubhendu was swept into deep waters due to strong waves during high tide. His friends immediately tried to locate him but failed to trace him, following which they informed the lifeguards.

Lifeguards along with fire services personnel rushed to the spot and launched a search operation. Rescue teams are continuing efforts using jet skis, but there has been no trace of the missing youth so far.

The recurring incidents of tourists going missing while bathing in the sea have raised concerns for the local administration in Puri.