RAIGAD: It was a heartbreaking scene at Maharashtra’s Diveagar beach on Thursday.Young students lay motionless on the shore as locals and rescuers desperately tried to bring them back to life.

Some were seen administering CPR, while others frantically rubbed the children's feet and tried every possible way to revive them.The shoreline echoed with frantic cries and the blaring of ambulances as desperate efforts continued to save the young lives.The beach, which had welcomed a group of students from Pune for a picnic, had suddenly turned into a scene of unimaginable grief. Those present watched helplessly as rescuers battled against time, hoping for a miracle.But the desperate efforts could not undo the tragedy. Eight students from a private coaching institute in Alandi, Pune, drowned after being swept away by strong currents at Diveagar beach. All eight bodies were eventually recovered, police said.

What happened at Diveagar Beach?

According to a police official, a group of 48 people, comprising 25 boys, 17 girls and six teachers, had travelled to Diveagar for a picnic. The beach falls under the jurisdiction of Dighi coastal police station.

Eight students ventured into the sea but were swept away after misjudging the depth of the water and the strength of the current, the official said.

All 8 bodies recovered

Search and rescue teams rushed to the beach after receiving an alert and recovered all eight bodies. The deceased were students of Classes XI and XII at Winners Academy, a private coaching institute in Alandi, Pune district.Police personnel and local authorities remained at the site to complete the necessary legal and administrative proceedings.

Ministers' express condolences

"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of young lives in the drowning incident at Diveagar Beach in Raigad district, Maharashtra. This heartbreaking tragedy is a loss that words cannot express. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May they find the strength to endure this immense sorrow," Raksha Mantri Office posted on X.Maharashtra ministers Bharat Gogawale and Aditi Tatkare were reported to have contacted the administration following the incident.Deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar also spoke to the Raigad district collector and sought details of the situation.She directed officials to ensure necessary rescue, relief and assistance measures and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased students.