Two girls and a boy drowned in the sea at Dhanushkodi while 10 others were rescued by fishermen and tourists from the choppy waters today, police said.
The 13-member group, all relatives, went to take a dip at Dhanushkodi near here after offering prayers at a temple here when the tragedy occurred, they said.
Those rescued have been admitted to hospital.
The family, hailing from Sivaganga district, had gone bathing despite being warned of the rough sea condition, police said.
The bodies of the two girls were swept away by the strong currents, thye said, adding, the boy's body was washed ashore.