A weekend trip to Yarada beach turned deadly for a group of friends after one drowned and five were reported missing, on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam.

A group of 10 friends went to the beach after the Nagulachaviti picnic on Sunday, police said. While four of the men were reportedly rescued by locals, five others are feared to have drowned, and one was found dead after drowning. Police have identified the deceased as Somireddy Durga Rao, a resident of the city's Housing Board/HB Colony.

Speaking to TNM, the Harbour ACP said, "While six got into the sea on the beach, one was found dead following the rescue operations. Rescue operations are underway."

The missing youths have been identified as D. Vasu, P. Tirupathi, K. Srinivas, N. Ganesh, Rajesh. They are said to be in their early 20's and residing in KRM Colony and Housing Board /HBcolony. The friends were employees at shops or were working as technicians.

The Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police Wing and Fisheries Department have launched rescue operations, along with Revenue Department and local police.

The reason behind the tragedy is currently being probed, though some reports suggest that strong undercurrents may have dragged the men further into the sea.

A case under CrPC 174 has been registered. The ACP noted the rescue operations are ongoing.