Alpesh Kumar Patel, who drowned at Semaphore Beach during Holi festival, had taken loan to study in Adelaide

AN Indian man who drowned at Semaphore on Friday after taking part in Hinduism’s most joyous festivals, was the only son of a poor family and had taken out a loan to study in Australia.

Alpesh Patel - who drowned off Semaphore beach on Friday afternoon

• Overseas student drowns at Semaphore Beach

AN Indian man who drowned at Semaphore on Friday after taking part in a Hindu religious festival was the only son of a poor family and had taken out a loan to study in Australia.

Alpesh Kumar Patel, 25, is survived by his wife Shweta, who was living with him at Enfield while he studied at the University of South Australia and, more recently, an IT course through Victoria’s Federation University.

Mr Patel could not swim but went in the water to bathe with friends near the breakwater at Semaphore Beach after taking part in Holi, also known as the festival of colours, during which participants throw powdered pigment at each other.

Indian Australian Association of SA secretary Deepak Bhardwaj said on Saturday Mr Patel came from Ahmedabad, the largest city in the western state of Gujarat, and was an active member of the local community.

“Whenever we had any functions … he always attended,’’ Mr Bhardwaj said.

“He was with three other mates, just going to have a bath. He didn’t know how to swim, neither did all his friends.

“They were in chest-high water, standing there and enjoying, when he slips and then he starts panicking.’’

Mr Bhardwaj said the friends tried to grab Mr Patel but they all got into difficulty in the deeper water.

Another family which was swimming nearby came to the friends’ aid but were not able to save Mr Patel.

The IAASA is organising a condolence and fundraising function to assist the family and posted details of how people can donate direct to Mrs Patel on its Facebook page.

“Initially they were thinking of sending the body back to India but that is very expensive and takes a long time. Now she has decided that we will cremate him here.’’ Mr Bhardwaj said.

“Alpesh’s wife wants to bring her parents here because is alone and so depressed.’’