India, May 1 -- A potential tragedy was averted at Kashid beach after two tourists from Dombivli were rescued from drowning at Kashid beach in Raigad district on Wednesday after police and lifeguards deployed a recently introduced remote-controlled rescue buoy, officials said.

Furkan Shaikh, 28, and Kaif Shaikh, 22, had entered the sea for a swim when they were dragged into deeper waters and began struggling.

Police constable Rotkar and lifeguard Shivam Lad, who were on duty, noticed the incident and quickly deployed the remote-operated buoy, which is an automated lifesaving device designed to operate in challenging water environments without putting human rescuers at risk.

The device, which can be controlled remotely over distances of...