Eight students drown during picnic at Indian beach

At least eight students have died after drowning at Diveagar beach in Maharashtra, western India, during a picnic, according to local media reports.

The victims were teenagers associated with a private coaching academy in Pune. They had travelled with a larger group to the beach in Raigad district, located around 170 kilometres from Mumbai.

According to police, several students entered the sea but misjudged the depth of the water and the strength of the currents. They were subsequently swept away by the waves.

Local reports said the group included 17 girls and 25 boys accompanied by their teachers. The students had ventured into the water while visiting the beach.

As the incident unfolded, local residents and rescue personnel rushed to the area to search for those who had been swept away. The bodies of the victims were later recovered from the sea.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, while further details about the victims and the rescue operation are expected to emerge.