Belgaum: The Helpline Emergency Rescue Foundation (HERF) rescue team successfully retrieved the body of a 22-year-old youth from deep water in the Hazgoli dam area after an overnight rescue operation.
According to reports, Omkar Namdev Patil (22) accidentally fell into the water near the Hazgoli dam area at around 8:30 pm on Friday. Upon receiving information, the HERF rescue team immediately rushed to the spot and launched a search operation. The youth’s clothes and boat were found near the shore, but there was no clear information about the exact location where he had drowned.
Due to darkness, deep water, and limited information, the rescue operation became extremely challenging. However, the HERF rescue personnel continued the search using advanced underwater camera equipment and eventually located the body during the night. The body was found nearly 18 to 20 feet deep underwater, making the recovery operation extremely difficult.
Living by their motto, “Service is Our Duty,” the HERF team continued the operation without caring for their own safety. After nearly three hours of relentless efforts, the team successfully retrieved the body safely at around midnight.
HERF members stated that the mission was not just a rescue operation but also a humanitarian effort to help the grieving family get a final farewell to their son.
Heartfelt tributes were paid to the late Omkar Namdev Patil, while the courageous efforts of all HERF rescue personnel involved in the mission are being widely appreciated.
