It was a typical Saturday evening at Bhuigaon Beach in Vasai West—until the tide turned dangerous. Two young men, Prashant Rana (21) and Divyansh Sharma (20), found themselves trapped on rocks as seawater surged around them. What began as a casual outing nearly ended in disaster, but thanks to the swift action of villagers, police, and firefighters, the duo was rescued in a tense 90-minute operation .

The Incident: A Race Against Time

At around 7:30 PM on February 9, 2025, Prashant and Divyansh, residents of Nalasopara, decided to unwind by sitting on the rocky outcrops dotting Bhuigaon Beach. Unfamiliar with the tidal patterns, they failed to notice the water creeping closer until it was too late. “The waves rose so fast,” recalled a local fisherman who witnessed the scene. “One moment they were chatting; the next, they were surrounded.”

Panic set in as darkness fell and visibility dropped. The youths tried to navigate back to shore but were cut off by waist-deep water. Alert villagers spotted their predicament and immediately dialed the Vasai Gaon police station and fire brigade. By 8:00 PM, a multi-agency rescue team—including lifeguards, firefighters, and locals—had assembled on the beach .

The Rescue: Braving the Elements

Rescuers faced daunting challenges: choppy waves, slippery rocks, and near-zero visibility. Firefighters used ropes and lifebuoys to create a path to the stranded duo, while villagers guided the team with flashlights. “We shouted instructions to keep them calm,” said a police officer involved in the operation. “They were shivering but cooperative.”

After an arduous 90 minutes, Prashant and Divyansh were safely brought ashore. Both were unharmed but shaken. “We didn’t realize how quickly the tide changes here,” admitted Divyansh later. “We’re grateful to everyone who saved us” .

Bhuigaon Beach: A History of Close Calls

This isn’t the first time Bhuigaon Beach has made headlines for rescues. In 2019, two teenagers drowned here after being swept away by waves, while two others were rescued . In 2021, a suspicious boat stranded near the beach triggered a 24-hour security operation involving the Coast Guard and Anti-Terrorism Squad. A lone sailor, Rafiq Shaikh, was airlifted to safety after his vessel drifted into rocky waters .

Locals say the beach’s beauty masks its dangers. “Tourists ignore warning signs,” said Ramesh Patil, a fisherman. “The rocks are slippery, and tides rise faster than you’d expect.”

Authorities Urge Caution

The Vasai police have reiterated the importance of coastal safety. “Always check tide timings and stay alert,” advised Senior Inspector Rajesh More. “Even experienced swimmers can get caught off guard.” The fire brigade also emphasized the role of community vigilance. “Without the villagers’ quick response, this could’ve ended tragically,” said a firefighter .

Lessons Learned

Tide Awareness: Coastal tides can shift rapidly—always check local forecasts.

Avoid Rocky Areas: Rocks become treacherous during high tide.

Community Role: Alerting authorities promptly saves lives.

Emergency Preparedness: Multi-agency coordination is critical in rescues.

A Narrow Escape, A Wake-Up Call

Prashant and Divyansh’s ordeal underscores the unpredictable nature of coastal environments. While Bhuigaon Beach remains a popular spot for sunset views and family picnics, their story is a stark reminder: nature’s beauty demands respect. As the rescued youths hugged their families that night, the message was clear—vigilance and teamwork can turn potential tragedy into hope.