A tragedy on July 14, when a septuagenarian Kalpana Bhattacharya was swept into deep sea off Marine Drive promenade during high tide period, played spoil sport to those who were romancing with roaring titanic waves of the Arabian sea.

Kalpana had left her home in the morning to enjoy high tides at Marine Drive, in South Mumbai. Reportedly, some hawkers watched her struggling in the sea at noon time. There were a few lifeguards present but they could not prevent her from getting carried away, due to strong tides. Her body was pulled out of sea a few hours later.

This act as a warning signal to Mumbaikars: Enjoy high tide, but maintain a safe distance. Squatting and strolling on promenades, on rocks that overhang into the sea, and climbing over tetrapods (these are present at Marine Drive) can be catastrophic and even fatal as we have seen.

Despite warnings by authorities and attempts to discourage people by the police patrolling to saunter near the promenades, we find people ducking official notice. They are scarily close to the sea or balance themselves on rocks and railings.

Huge waves, which are common during high tides come along and sweep them away. They are immobilized against the rapidity and strength of the water. Recently, a youth in his pre-twenties was swept away into the sea at Marine Drive during high tide.