Three final-year students of Dow Medical University drowned on Wednesday when powerful waves swept them away at Manora Himalaya Beach, turning a group picnic into tragedy.

Two other students were rescued in critical condition.

According to rescue officials, five students entered the sea when one of them began to struggle in deep waters.

His companions rushed to help, but all were pulled under by strong currents. Lifeguards reached the spot, but by then it was too late for three of them.

The deceased were identified as Syed Ashhad Fatmi, Asharib Munir, and Ahmed Kashif. Their bodies were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi.

Student Abdul Majeed remains in critical condition, while Rizwan and Rabee are said to be out of danger, according to Medical Superintendent Dr Khalid Bukhari.

Dow University administration officials, led by Principal Dr Saba Sohail, reached the hospital after the incident.

She said the victims were part of a 15-member group that went to Manora Beach separately without official permission.

University officials said the main group of 150 students had gone to Hawkesbay for an approved picnic under staff supervision and returned safely.

Following the incident, Asharib’s body was sent to Faisalabad, Ahmed Kashif’s body to PNS Shifa, and Syed Arshad’s remains to the Edhi morgue after legal formalities.

Authorities have prepared a preliminary report on the incident.