MARGAO
After an operation lasting over 20 hours, involving the fire brigade and Naval divers, the body of 12-year old Deepak Khatri, who had drowned in a stream at Dongorim-Navelim on Monday evening was fished out near the Mandopa bridge on Tuesday evening.
The body was found floating in the rivulet by a local resident Srijit Audi, who jumped in the water and managed to bring the body close to the river bank. The 12-year-old, a sixth-standard student of Navelim school, had landed in the stream, which was flowing in full spate following incessant rains.
At the time of the incident the boy was cycling with some friends in the area.
Initially, the Margao fire brigade headed by Fire Officer Gill de Souza tried to locate the body, but in vain. The district authorities later requisitioned the services of the Navy divers, but the search operation was affected since it was already dark by the time the logistics for rescue were arranged.
Sources in the Indian Navy said a team of six divers from the Indian Navy/Goa Naval areas were expeditiously deployed on the night of July 15 in response to a request from District Magistrate South Goa.
The diving team immediately commenced search on reaching the site equipped with an inflatable raft, outboard motor, diving apparatus, accessories and underwater lights. The search and diving operation progressed throughout the night in the rivulet despite the incessant rains.
Diving operations resumed early Tuesday at around 6.30 am. The local residents also requisitioned the services of a local diver from Curchorem.
