MAWKYRWAT: A man drowned while trying to save his children after the boat they were travelling in capsized at Photsengsong Aqua Park in Photjaud War village, South West Khasi Hills district on Sunday.
The deceased, identified as Barister Syiemlieh (27), was visiting the park with his four children.
Superintendent of Police Maxell B Syiem informed that the incident took place on Sunday afternoon.
“The boat carrying him and his four children, including his three-year-old daughter, capsized. Fortunately she was rescued and rushed to Mawkyrwat CHC,” the Superintendent of Police said.
Meanwhile, the headman of Photjaud War village informed that the boat was not ready to use even though it was in the water.
“After seeing the visitors, our people sent a boy to tell them not to sit on the boat because it was not ready to use and they agreed. However, after the boy left, Syiemlieh (only adult) took the boat and sat on it along with his four children and started rowing. The two elder children managed to swim to the shore while the younger two were rescued by Syiemlieh along with the help of some boys. However, after pushing the children ashore he drowned as he was too tired,” the headman said.
Syiemlieh’s body has been handed over to the family after post-mortem.
