Search continues for Sudiksha Konanki, missing in Dominican Republic. A Navy officer suggests reefs may hold answers.
Sudiksha, aged 20, was last seen March 6 at the beach by her resort. Josh, aged 22, said he saved her when they swam.
A Navy officer offered a grim possibility: Sudiksha could be trapped in coral reefs near the Punta Cana resort. Sudiksha went to the Dominican Republic with friends for a spring break vacation.
Before, she was on the beach with Josh. Josh told police about their time together, saying they talked and kissed in the water and that he rescued her from drowning.
Josh said a wave swept them both out. He had lifeguard experience and pulled her to knee-deep water. He said she then walked at an angle away from the water.
He called for her but heard no answer. He got sick and passed out. When he woke up, she was gone, so he thought she had left. A Navy commander spoke about the search, saying she might be in the coral reefs, and the Navy is combing the area, sending divers to look. He said they have not found her.
He described what may happen to a body. When someone drowns, they lose air, water fills the lungs, and the body sinks. After three days, decomposition starts, organs decompose and fill with gas, then the body floats after a week.
Police in Virginia consider Josh a person of interest. He may have been the last to see her, though police have not charged him with anything and don’t consider him a suspect at this time.
Sudiksha stayed at the Riu República Hotel with female friends. Two Venmo payments happened before she vanished. One was for a sailboat trip, and the other could have been for Coco Bongo.
Sudiksha and friends were at the resort disco at 3 AM. At 4 AM, they left with Josh. At 5:50 AM, her friends went home, but Sudiksha and Josh stayed. Josh said he passed out drunk. He woke up, and she disappeared and was reported missing later.