Chhatrapur/Ganjam: An eight-year-old boy died after being swept away by a strong sea tide while playing on a beach in Ganjam district, officials and local residents said Sunday.
The victim was identified as N Shiva, the younger son of N Gureya, a resident of Nua Podampeta village under Palibandha panchayat in Ganjam block.
According to local residents, Shiva was playing near the Nua Podampeta beach Saturday afternoon when a sudden high tide swept him into the sea.
Family members and locals rescued the child and rushed him to the Chhatrapur Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Shiva is survived by his two sisters.
His father had reportedly left for Kerala a few days ago in search of work. The child’s untimely death has left the family and the village in mourning.