Student Drowns in River During Swimming Practice in Kochi

Kochi: A 13-year-old student, Godwin, drowned in a river near Kandanad Boat Jetty while practicing swimming with friends on Tuesday evening. Godwin, son of Johnson and Shibi from Mathirappilly, Cheranalloor, Varappuzha, was a seventh-grade student at Kothad Jesus Higher Secondary School.

The tragic incident occurred around 4 PM when Godwin, accompanied by three friends after school, went to the river bank for swimming practice. He reportedly slipped into a deeper section of the river and was quickly submerged. One of his friends attempted to rescue him but also struggled as he was not a proficient swimmer.

Upon hearing the cries for help, nearby workers rushed to the scene and successfully rescued the struggling friend. However, Godwin could not be located immediately. The Fire Force scuba team launched a search operation and, after two hours, recovered Godwin’s body. He is survived by his sister, Giftty.