KOVALAM: The Christmas vacation turned into a nightmare for a family after one among them drowned in Kovalam beach on Saturday. Vijay Matiyazhakan (39), a native of Tiruvallur Alagiri Street died in the incident.

Vijay got swept away by high waves at 11.30 am on Saturday at Grow Beach Kovalam. He was on a vacation in the beach town with his friends and family. While bathing, Vijay was caught in the waves and soon fell unconscious. The locals and friends rushed him to Vizhinjam CHC but his life could not saved.

The body was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital mortuary. Vijay leaves behind his wife: Vijayalakshmi and children: Sarath, and Janakan.