At least three persons drowned in the Arabian Sea in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra today, while one person, who was part of the group, was rescued but later succumbed to injuries during treatment. According to police, four others who entered the water with them are still missing. The victims were out for a picnic when the tragedy occurred. The official said the incident occurred around 4 pm off the Shiroda-Velagar beach, located more than 490 km from Mumbai. A search and rescue operation has been launched by the authorities.