Saw Thomas, Saw Manashe, Saw Sakari and Karthick emerged as local heroes on Tuesday morning when the four young men from Mayabunder rushed to help passengers after a Pawan Hans helicopter made an emergency landing in the sea just before reaching the town.
The four, who were on their way to Interview Island, were among the first to spot the helicopter descend into the water and immediately moved towards it, helping rescue all five passengers, including a seven-month-old baby.
Abdul Siddique, former Pramukh of Mayabunder, said the quick response of the group helped prevent the situation from worsening. “Today, as everyone knows, a very unfortunate incident took place in Mayabunder. A helicopter had to make an emergency landing in the sea before reaching Mayabunder,” Siddique said.
There were seven people on board the helicopter, including the pilot and co-pilot. Five passengers were travelling in the aircraft, of whom three were women. One passenger suffered a head injury, while another injured passenger was travelling with a seven-month-old baby. Siddique said one of the passengers was a male teacher from Vivekananda School in Pahalgaon.
“In today’s emergency landing of a Pawan Hans helicopter in the sea near Mayabunder, prompt and timely action by three Daily Rated Mazdoors of the Forest Department and one Police Marine Force staff member, who were on their way to Interview Island, helped save lives,” Siddique said. “As soon as they witnessed the incident, they immediately rushed to the spot and rescued all five passengers, including the seven-month-old baby.”
Thomas, Manashe and Sakari work as Daily Rated Mazdoors with the Forest Department, while Karthick is part of the Police Marine Force.
The rescued passengers were brought ashore at Mayabunder Harbour and later shifted to Dr R.P. District Government Hospital, Mayabunder, for medical treatment.
Officials are yet to issue a detailed statement on the cause of the emergency landing. However, residents in the area said the swift response of the four local men ensured that all passengers were brought to safety without delay.
