Swept away by strong waves; foreign tourist drowns in Varkala 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A foreign tourist drowned to death in the sea while surfing at the Papanasam beach in Varkala. The deceased has been identified as Roy John (55), a British citizen. According to witnesses, Roy drowned in the sea after he was drawn by the strong waves. The incident took place today morning.

Roy John, who sustained serious injury on the head, was taken out of the water by the lifeguard and the police. Although he was immediately rushed to the Varkala Taluk Hospital, his life could not be saved.

Last month, a 21-year-old man from Tamil Nadu had drowned at the beach in Varkala. The deceased was identified as Vishwa, a member of the 31-member group from Tamil Nadu that reached Varkala as part of a pleasure trip.

Recently, the Tourism Department had organised an international surfing festival in Varkala. There were more than 65 contestants from India as well as foreign countries.