Sri Vijaya Puram, May 4: In a dramatic incident highlighting survival against the odds, a man from Haryana was rescued after floating in the open sea for nearly five hours near Shaheed Dweep on Sunday morning after accidentally falling from a passenger vessel. The survivor, identified as Vinod Ghelot, was working as a receptionist at a private resort on the island. According to sources, he had boarded the MV Strait Island vessel at around 8:30 AM while travelling from Shaheed Dweep to Sri Vijaya Puram and was scheduled to leave for the mainland the following day.
During the journey, Ghelot reportedly began feeling unwell due to sea sickness. He moved towards the rear end of the ferry to vomit, where he is believed to have lost his balance and fallen into the sea. The incident went unnoticed by fellow passengers and crew members, leaving him stranded alone in open waters.
Despite the life-threatening situation, Ghelot managed to stay afloat for several hours, demonstrating exceptional presence of mind and resilience. Sources said he spotted multiple vessels, including two passing catamarans, but none noticed him as he struggled in the water.
Realising the danger of drifting further away and remaining unseen, he maintained his position and continued scanning the horizon for help. After nearly five hours, his persistence paid off when a passing pontoon heading towards Shaheed Dweep heard his cries for help. The crew acted swiftly, pulling him out of the water and ensuring his safety.
Meanwhile, concern had begun to mount back on land when Ghelot failed to reach Sri Vijaya Puram. His luggage, still on board the ferry, alerted his manager, who promptly informed local authorities. Police teams from Shaheed Dweep coordinated with officials from Aberdeen Police Station and the Marine Police to initiate a search operation.
By the time rescue coordination intensified, the pontoon carrying Ghelot had already reached Shaheed Dweep. He was found to be severely dehydrated and suffering from sunburn due to prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight and seawater.
He was immediately taken to a local hospital on the island, where he received first aid and medical care. Medical sources confirmed that his condition stabilised after treatment, and he was later discharged.
Authorities and locals have described the incident as nothing short of miraculous, crediting Ghelot’s composure and endurance for his survival. The prompt response of the pontoon crew has also drawn widespread appreciation for preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of safety awareness and vigilance during sea travel in the region, especially in high-traffic ferry routes connecting the Andaman islands.
In a dramatic incident highlighting survival against the odds, a man from Haryana was rescued after floating in the open sea for nearly five hours near Shaheed Dweep on Sunday morning after accidentally falling from a passenger vessel.
The survivor, identified as Vinod Ghelot, was working as a receptionist at a private resort on the island. According to sources, he had boarded the MV Strait Island vessel at around 8:30 AM while travelling from Shaheed Dweep to Sri Vijaya Puram and was scheduled to leave for the mainland the following day.
During the journey, Ghelot reportedly began feeling unwell due to sea sickness. He moved towards the rear end of the ferry to vomit, where he is believed to have lost his balance and fallen into the sea. The incident went unnoticed by fellow passengers and crew members, leaving him stranded alone in open waters.
Despite the life-threatening situation, Ghelot managed to stay afloat for several hours, demonstrating exceptional presence of mind and resilience. Sources said he spotted multiple vessels, including two passing catamarans, but none noticed him as he struggled in the water.
Realising the danger of drifting further away and remaining unseen, he maintained his position and continued scanning the horizon for help. After nearly five hours, his persistence paid off when a passing pontoon heading towards Shaheed Dweep heard his cries for help. The crew acted swiftly, pulling him out of the water and ensuring his safety.
Meanwhile, concern had begun to mount back on land when Ghelot failed to reach Sri Vijaya Puram. His luggage, still on board the ferry, alerted his manager, who promptly informed local authorities. Police teams from Shaheed Dweep coordinated with officials from Aberdeen Police Station and the Marine Police to initiate a search operation.
By the time rescue coordination intensified, the pontoon carrying Ghelot had already reached Shaheed Dweep. He was found to be severely dehydrated and suffering from sunburn due to prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight and seawater.
He was immediately taken to a local hospital on the island, where he received first aid and medical care. Medical sources confirmed that his condition stabilised after treatment, and he was later discharged.
Authorities and locals have described the incident as nothing short of miraculous, crediting Ghelot’s composure and endurance for his survival. The prompt response of the pontoon crew has also drawn widespread appreciation for preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of safety awareness and vigilance during sea travel in the region, especially in high-traffic ferry routes connecting the Andaman islands.
