THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
In a daring and risky joint operation, the Coast Guard and Drishti rescued a 26-year-old army officer off the coast of Cabo de Rama in South Goa.
According to a Drishti press release, the man had slipped from the rocks and fell into the rough sea.
“An alert lifeguard spotted the man and launched a jet ski, but was unable to reach him due to the rocky terrain, high waves and dangerous conditions.”
“The senior lifeguard Amitava threw a rescue tube and log for the man in distress to cling onto while help arrived. Simultaneously, a call was placed to the Coast Guard control room and INS Hansa and helicopter back-up was requested,” stated the Drishti press note.
“A Coast Guard helicopter rushed to the area while the lifeguards directed the team to the accurate spot. In a dramatic rescue operation, Coast Guard Air Crew driver (ACD) Himmat Singh rescued the stranded victim. The victim was rushed to the hospital for medical assistance and is stable. The rescued man is a 26-year-old army officer posted outside Goa, who was in Goa on a short visit,” the Drishti press note added. Briefing reporters at the Coast Guards Goa Headquarters on Thursday, Coast Guard (Goa) DIG Himanshu Nautiyal said a message was received from Coastal Police and Dhristi lifeguard at about 1.15 pm, regarding a man struggling in the sea off Cabo-de-Rama.
“A coast guard helicopter was diverted immediately for search and rescue operations. Braving severe weather conditions with restricted visibility and overcast sky, the coast guard pilots in a swift and daring operation rescued the man.”
“The person was brought to the Coast Guard air enclave at Dabolim. The rescued army officer has been admitted to INS Jeevanti for further medical treatment.”
“The search and rescue is one of the charter of duties of the Indian Coast Guard. While the ICG is ready 24x7 for any rescue operation, I advise people, especially tourists, not to go near the sea, in view of rough sea conditions,” said Nautiyal.
