The body of Thungchio Patton (age 24), who was reported to have drowned on May 27 alongside Elanthung Ngullie (age 20) at Doyang Reservoir, was successfully retrieved today at 9:55 following relentless efforts by the SDRF, NDRF, and NSDMA teams. Over the course of four days since the body went missing at the reservoir, the collective team worked tirelessly amid the heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Remal.
Speaking with Nagaland Tribune, Inspector Vikhodi Rhetso, 12 Battalion NDRF Kohima, informed that the Search Operation team started their operation at 6:20 am this morning.
Describing the techniques employed during the operation, Rhetso reported that three Divers from 12 Battalion NDRF stationed at Kohima were deployed, with one diver equipped with specialized gear diving into the reservoir to search for the body. He confirmed that the body of Thungchio Patton (24) was recovered today around 9:55 AM after a search lasting almost three and a half hours, with diver Johnson leading the retrieval effort supported by other rescuers. Johnson descended to a depth of approximately 75 feet from the surface to reach the bottom level.
He emphasized that they used 2 IRB (Inflated Rubber Boat) and the Deep Diver Equipment in today’s operation. Highlighting the measures taken to ensure the safety of the search operation team, Rhetso stated that there is a strict safety patterns for every rescuers and whoever goes inside the boat for search and rescue operation must put on the safety jackets over their body so that nothing untoward happens to the rescue team during the operation. And for the deep divers, they have their own safety equipments such as oxygen cylinders while going inside the water deep down.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
According to Rhetso, the team managed safety measures as the foremost priority and that safety has to be maintained at the highest level. “Apart from that safety, while carrying out the search operation, the team have to focus on the likely places where the particular drowned person might have been located. Some pin point location are being discussed before carrying out the operation like where to search and how to search,” added the Inspector.
Fishing nets, bamboos, depth of the river were major challenges
Speaking about the obstacles and setbacks encountered during the operation, he noted that, according to reports from the divers who served as the primary rescuers, numerous old, large trees, fishing nets, and bamboo obstructed and posed hurdles to conducting a thorough search within the reservoir. Furthermore, the depth of the reservoir proved challenging, with divers encountering particularly cold waters at depths of 60 to 70 feet, making breathing somewhat difficult despite the presence of oxygen equipment.
He also imparted specific lessons learned during the search operation, which could be applicable to future search and rescue efforts for both the general public and rescue teams. For instance, he emphasized the importance of individuals wearing life jackets or improvised flotation devices, such as craft made from plastic bottles or polystyrene, when ferrying on engine boats or locally made boats. Which will be beneficial for both swimmers and non-swimmers, especially during periods of heavy waves.
Furthermore, for the rescue team, the operation highlighted the necessity of training additional deep divers within their ranks to effectively respond to similar incidents. Despite deploying a considerable number of divers, limitations were encountered as fatigue set in, with at least two to three divers becoming exhausted from morning till evening.
Awareness and alertness during monsoon season
With the monsoon season here, Rhetso also advised the public to take precautions seriously, particularly given the common occurrence of drowning incidents during this time. Highlighting the prevalence of incidents such as landslides, floods, and drownings in certain areas, he stressed the importance of individuals being aware of how to protect themselves in the event of such disasters. Additionally, he reminded every citizen to stay aware and informed before such incidents occur.
