Introduction

Drowning is a significant public health concern, frequently reported in India. Accidental drowning is the most common type, often involving fishermen, bathers, dock workers, intoxicated individuals, and those with epilepsy. Suicidal drowning is more prevalent among women, sometimes involving self-restraining measures such as tying limbs or attaching weights. Homicidal drowning, however, is extremely rare (Rao, 2010).

Globally, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death. In the United States alone, it accounts for nearly 4,000 deaths annually, ranking as the tenth most common injury-related fatality. In forensic investigations, determining how and why a body became submerged and why the individual could not escape is critical in establishing the cause and manner of death. Key forensic topics include postmortem diagnosis, environmental factors, and the estimation of the time of death. Research and case studies on drowning incidents contribute to expanding knowledge and improving medico-legal death investigations. Investigating water-related deaths presents unique challenges.

Not all deaths in water result from drowning; factors such as extreme temperatures, intoxication, or underlying medical conditions may be primary causes. Examining submerged bodies often requires coordination among multiple agencies, including emergency responders, law enforcement, forensic scientists, and medical examiners. Upon body recovery, assessment for vital signs, injuries, and other forensic indicators is crucial. Law enforcement officials collaborate with first responders to document the scene and assess potential criminal involvement. Continuous analysis and dissemination of data from drowning cases help improve public health strategies and resource allocation, ultimately aiding in the prevention of water-related fatalities (Armstrong and Erskine, 2018).