Dubai: An Indian expatriate family's Eid Al Adha holiday in Dubai ended in tragedy when one member reportedly died during a recreational scuba diving session on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as Issac Paul Olakkengil, a 29-year-old civil engineer. According to his family, he is believed to have suffered a heart attack after experiencing breathing difficulties.

Pyarilos Davis, a relative assisting the grieving family with official paperwork, informed Gulf News that Issac, his wife Reshma, and his younger brother Ivin had gone scuba diving at Jumeirah Beach.

He stated that the incident occurred while the three were receiving training in a designated training area during the session.

“It appears they were undergoing scuba diving training, and apparently, Issac began having difficulty breathing and separated from the group,” Pyarilos said.
“As a result, everyone panicked and was affected underwater. I was informed that Reshma was brought to shore first, followed by the other two.”

Brother out of danger
Issac was immediately taken to a hospital but could not be revived. Meanwhile, Ivin also collapsed upon arriving at the hospital and is currently under observation.

“He is now out of danger,” Pyarilos confirmed.

He mentioned that the family is cooperating with police authorities, who have confiscated the scuba diving equipment involved as part of the ongoing investigation.

“We are coordinating with officials to repatriate his body after obtaining the required legal documentation,” said Pyarilos.

He added that Ivin was not informed of his only brother’s death until Saturday evening.

“All three of them are engineers. While Issac and Reshma live in Dubai, Ivin is based in Abu Dhabi. Ivin's friends told me they’re struggling with how to deliver this devastating news, considering the deep bond the brothers shared,” said Pyarilos.

Gulf News has contacted Dubai Police for an official statement.