Dow University releases official statement on students who drowned at Manora Beach

The Dow University of Health Sciences has released an official statement regarding the tragic incident at Manora Beach, where several students were swept away by strong waves, resulting in three confirmed deaths while one remained missing.

According to the university’s statement, a farewell picnic for final-year students had been organized as part of the annual Student Week activities. Around 150 students participated in the official event held at Hawksbay under the university’s safety protocols. However, 15 students separately arranged a private picnic at Manora Beach.

The university clarified that it had no knowledge of this private gathering, as it was organized independently by the students, with one student’s father booking a hut at the location.

“However, the college administration and the principal of Dow Medical College were not informed about the separate Manora picnic organized by the 15 students,” the statement added.

It further mentioned that the students who attended the official university picnic returned safely, while the tragic incident occurred at Manora Beach.

“In the afternoon, a powerful wave swept one student into the sea; as others rushed to rescue him, the mishap occurred,” the statement said, adding that the bodies had been moved to the mortuary of Karachi’s Civil Hospital.

The statement also confirmed that three students who survived the incident were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Meanwhile, DIG South Syed Asad Raza stated that a total of five students had drowned, two of whom were rescued, and confirmed that no one remained missing.

The university administration added that special directives had been issued to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured students.