Guwahati: The body of one of the nine workers trapped inside a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district was recovered by army divers on Wednesday, marking the third day of rescue operations, officials said.
Rescue efforts to save the remaining eight workers have intensified, involving a joint team of the navy, army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
However, officials expressed concern that the chances of survival for the others appear grim.
The incident occurred on Monday when a sudden gush of water flooded the Assam Coal Quarry in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, trapping the workers inside.
Early on Wednesday morning, divers located the body of one worker about 85 feet below the surface.
Officials said that poor visibility and water-filled conditions inside the mine complicated the recovery efforts.
The identity of the recovered body has not yet been confirmed.
Specialised divers from the Indian Army’s 21 Para unit conducted the recovery. “The body was spotted approximately 85 feet below the surface,” one diver reported, describing the challenging conditions.
Navy deploys elite divers and advanced gear in rescue effort
In response to an urgent request for assistance, the Indian Navy mobilized a specialised team to aid in the rescue operations.
The team, comprising one officer and eleven sailors from Visakhapatnam, arrived on-site on the evening of January 7 in a coordinated airlift by the Indian Air Force.
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The team includes highly trained Clearance Divers equipped with deep-diving gear and underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for search and recovery operations.
The Indian Navy is working closely with the Indian Army, NDRF, and local civil authorities to ensure an effective and coordinated response.
“The team is fully prepared for this critical and sensitive mission,” a Navy spokesperson said.
Intensive search and rescue operations are ongoing, with regular updates being shared among all agencies involved to facilitate timely progress.
The Indian Navy reiterated its commitment to providing prompt assistance during times of crisis, emphasising its dedication to safeguarding lives and supporting the nation in emergencies.
