Video: 6 men trapped at waterfall rescued after 18-hour overnight operation
A sightseeing trip to a scenic waterfall near the Maharashtra-Goa border turned into an overnight survival ordeal after six youths were stranded by rapidly rising
A sightseeing trip to a scenic waterfall near the Maharashtra-Goa border turned into an overnight survival ordeal after six youths were stranded by rapidly rising waters triggered by heavy rain. After nearly 18 hours, a joint rescue operation by the Forest Department, Fire and Emergency Services, and police brought all six to safety on Monday morning. The group from Sankhalim had travelled to the Vajra Sakla waterfall near Virdi-Dodamarg on Sunday. As heavy rain lashed the region, the water level rose sharply, leaving them trapped below the waterfall and surrounded by overflowing streams.
Read Full Story The six youths, including the son of Sankhalim Municipal Council chairperson Siddhi Parab, had gone to the waterfall without informing their families. With no mobile network in the area, they were unable to contact anyone. When they failed to return home by late Sunday night, worried family members approached the police. Using mobile location data, police traced the group to the waterfall in Maharashtra, triggering a large-scale rescue operation. OVERNIGHT RESCUE Teams from Goa Police, Maharashtra Police, the Forest Department and the Fire Department launched a rescue effort that continued through the night despite difficult weather and challenging terrain.
The youths were finally brought to safety in the early hours of Monday after an operation that lasted around 18 hours. Officials confirmed that all six were rescued safely. CHIEF MINISTER ORDERS IMMEDIATE HELP Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant directed the government machinery and police to provide all necessary assistance after learning about the incident. Some of those rescued are reportedly relatives of the chief minister. A video showing the youths stranded at the waterfall has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention to the dramatic rescue.
The incident has once again sparked concerns over safety at popular monsoon tourist spots, where sudden spells of heavy rain can cause water levels to rise within minutes. Ends With inputs from Ravaji Dattaram Desai.
