How Did the Indian Navy Rescue a Woman from Drowning in the Hooghly River?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Indian Navy executed a successful rescue operation in the Hooghly River.
- Vigilant patrolling by the Navy played a crucial role in spotting the distress signal.
- The rescue highlights the importance of maritime safety and oversight.
- The crew's expertise was vital in ensuring the woman’s safety during the operation.
- All agencies are on high alert ahead of national celebrations.
Kolkata, Aug 8 (NationPress) A patrol vessel from the Indian Navy successfully rescued a woman from perilous waters in the Hooghly River close to Kolkata on Friday. After her rescue, she was handed over to the River Traffic Police, who then contacted her family.
"It was shortly after midnight when the crew of the Sagar Prahari Bal on the Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC), under the Naval Officer-in-Charge (NOIC) in Kolkata, maintained a vigilant watch around them. At approximately 12:45 am on Friday, they spotted a figure battling against the powerful current that was pulling her away from the riverbank," stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence in Kolkata.
An official from the Indian Navy mentioned that the crew adeptly maneuvered the FIC through the darkness toward the struggling individual.
"The task was challenging. With strong tides, the boat's speed had to be managed carefully to avoid causing harm to the person in distress. Ultimately, they managed to get close enough to perform the rescue operation. It was a woman dressed in a sari. The team reached her just in time, as she was completely exhausted and might not have survived much longer," the official explained.
The woman was understandably in a state of panic after her ordeal and needed to be reassured once aboard the naval vessel. The crew made sure she regained her composure before transferring her to the police.
According to the spokesperson from the MoD, the rescue occurred near Budge Budge, about five kilometers south of the main yard of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd.
INS Netaji Subhas, the naval facility in Kolkata, operates two FICs that patrol the entire stretch of the Hooghly River. The primary mission of these armed, high-speed vessels is to monitor the numerous ships, including cargo vessels, barges, and fishing boats navigating the river. The crew remains vigilant for unregistered vessels or any suspicious activities.
All agencies are currently on high alert as Independence Day approaches, leading to increased patrolling, the official noted.