Dubai: Tragedy struck an
Indian expat family enjoying the
Eid Al Adha holidays in
Dubai as one of the family members allegedly died during a fun scuba diving session on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Issac Paul Olakkengil, a 29-year-old civil engineer. He reportedly suffered a heart attack after he could not breathe properly, according to his family.
Pyarilos Davis, who is among the relatives helping the bereaved family with paper works, told Gulf News that Issac and his wife Reshma, along with Issac’s younger brother Ivin, had gone to Jumeirah Beach for the scuba diving session.
He said the incident took place when the trio were getting trained in a designated training area during the session.
“It seems they were getting trained for scuba diving, and apparently, he [Issac] couldn’t breathe properly and moved away from the pack,” said Pyarilos.
“So, everyone panicked and was impacted under water. I was told Reshma was rescued to the shore first, followed by the other two.”
Brother out of danger
Issac was rushed to a hospital but could not be saved. Meanwhile, he said, Ivin also collapsed on reaching the hospital and is currently under observation.
“He is out of danger,” said Pyarilos.
He said the family is cooperating with the police, who have seized the equipment used in the scuba diving session as part of their investigation into the case.
“We are working with the authorities to repatriate his mortal remains after we receive the necessary legal documents,” said Pyarilos.
Ivin had not been informed about his only brother’s passing till Saturday evening, he said.
“All of them are engineers. While Issac and Reshma are in Dubai, Ivin is based in Abu Dhabi. Ivin's friends just told me they are concerned about breaking this heart-wrenching news to him, as the brothers shared a strong bond,” said Pyarilos.
Gulf News has reached out to Dubai Police for a comment.
