Itanagar, Jan 17 (NationPress) Following a thorough search effort, the lifeless body of a missing tourist from Kerala was discovered on Saturday at the icy Sela Lake in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, as reported by officials.

Defence spokesperson Lt Colonel Mahendra Rawat verified the discovery of Mahadev M. (24), who had been unaccounted for since Friday. A police representative indicated that post-mortem examinations are currently underway. Once the post-mortem and all requisite formalities are finalized, the body will be returned to the family, the official further stated.

Further procedures are being managed by the civil administration.

A police spokesperson in Itanagar noted that seven tourists hailing from Kerala had arrived in Tawang via Guwahati on Friday to experience the famous Sela Lake. The body of one tourist was retrieved on Friday, while another was rescued alive. Search operations initiated on Friday persisted into Saturday to locate the third tourist, Mahadev M., whose body was found on Saturday, according to the official.

The Indian Army, along with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), conducted a joint search operation. Lt Col Rawat reported that the Army, in collaboration with the police and civil administration, successfully rescued two tourists from the frozen Sela Lake on Friday, with one being pronounced dead.

Search efforts to find the third missing tourist commenced on Friday. He mentioned that Sela Lake, situated at an altitude of roughly 13,700 feet above sea level, remains frozen during this season.

“During their excursion, one tourist allegedly ventured toward the center of the frozen lake, where the ice collapsed, causing him to submerge. Two other tourists attempted a rescue but also became submerged in the frigid waters,” stated Lt Col Rawat.

Upon receiving the alert, an Indian Army rescue unit from the Gajraj Corps was swiftly dispatched. In spite of severe weather conditions, frigid temperatures, and the challenges associated with high-altitude operations, Army divers, along with police and civil authorities, executed rapid rescue missions.

“One individual was revived following immediate medical care, while another was found deceased,” said the defence spokesman. All remaining tourists have been securely housed at Army camps in the vicinity and are receiving necessary care and support.

Emphasizing its dedication to humanitarian aid, the Indian Army urged visitors to strictly adhere to the guidelines provided by the civil administration.

Meanwhile, Tawang District Superintendent of Police D.W. Thongon reiterated the importance for tourists to comply with advisories released by the district administration. “Warning signboards have been placed at Sela and Shungatser, clearly advising tourists against venturing onto frozen lakes. Visitors must comply with all advisories for their own safety,” the district police chief emphasized.

Sela Lake is renowned as the most prominent of the two picturesque lakes located near the Sela mountain pass. The Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh is home to numerous high-altitude lakes, with local lore suggesting that up to 108 lakes are scattered across the area, particularly along its eastern and northern borders.