Karkala: A group of people who were returning to Shivamogga from Mangaluru had to witness a tragic episode as one of the fellow travelers landed in watery grave in a bid to save a teenager from drowning.

The group had stopped at Bandimatha near Someshwara-Hebrinadsal on Saturday to have a bath in river Sita.

A 15-year-old boy from the group was about to drown and 22-year-old Irfan from Malaguppa plunged to save him. However, in unfortunate turn of events, both remained struggling for life. With help from locals, though both from lifted from the water, Irfan died in the hospital, while the teenager survived.

Hebri police have registered the case.