Young man drowns in Al-Gharraf River while trying to save his brother

WASIT — An 18-year-old man from the Karimiya area in Kut, Wasit, drowned Monday in the Al-Gharraf River while attempting to help his brother during a swimming trip, residents said.

Local youths and residents recovered the body about an hour after the incident.

Residents told 964media the victim, identified as Hussein Hassan Al-Baydani, lived with his family in Karimiya. According to initial information, Hussein left home around 4 p.m. with his younger brother, who does not know how to swim.

Witnesses said Hussein’s brother began to drown while swimming, prompting Hussein to attempt a rescue. Hussein reportedly suffered muscle cramps during the effort, leading to his drowning.

In another drowning-related incident yesterday, two teenagers drowned on while swimming in a waterway flowing from the Hamrin Dam toward the Sadd Al-Sudour in the al-Katiba area of al-Mansouriya district, east of Diyala governorate.

As temperatures rise during the summer months, many residents across the country seek relief in rivers and lakes. However, officials warn that these outings can turn deadly, particularly for young people with limited swimming experience who underestimate strong currents and deep water.