Kerala Student Feared Drowned in Latvia, Indian Embassy Assures Support

New Delhi, India: An Indian student from Kerala has reportedly been drowned while swimming in Jugla canal in Latvia’s capital city of Riga. The boy identified as Albin Shinto is believed to have gone for swimming in the Jugla canal on July 18 at around 6 pm (IST) along with a group of friends.

As per the country's public broadcaster LSM’s report, eyewitness accounts suggest that Shinto disappeared beneath the waves during the swim.

Indian-origin student encountered difficulties while swimming 

As per media reports, the eyewitness stated that Shinto encountered difficulties while swimming and began drowning. Two friends in the group tried to rescue him, but they too encountered difficulties due to the waves. 

A passing fisherman managed to save the remaining people in the group, but Shinto was reportedly lost beneath the waves.

Rescue operation on 

Soon after the information came in, police officials and rescuers, including a diver arrived to conduct a rescue operation. The search continued for two to three hours, but they were unable to find Shinto, and the operation was called off as night approached.

The rescuers reportedly informed the group of friends that search operations could resume only on Monday due to limited resources for large-scale, lengthy searches.

“Shinto’s family in kerala is crying, the Indian embassy is calling the police, but no-one is helping us. At least we need to get the body to give to his family,” said Arhik Haries, one of the friends in the group. 

Indian Embassy in Latvia Posts on X 

Responding on the same, the Indian Embassy in Latvia took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that, “Embassy is in regular contact with Latvian authorities regarding the unfortunate incident of suspected drowning of an Indian student in Riga. We remain in touch with the family and will continue to extend all possible help.”