Tag: lifesavers

Human Interest

Goa Weekend Rescues: Drishti Marine Lifesavers Save 12, Aid Monkey-Attack Victim at Dudhsagar

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Over the weekend, Drishti Marine lifesavers demonstrated exceptional courage and efficiency, rescuing twelve individuals from potentially life-threatening situations across Goa’s beaches and providing urgent first aid to a tourist injured at Dudhsagar waterfalls.

At Dudhsagar waterfalls, a 28-year-old man from Hyderabad suffered injuries after being attacked by a monkey, which caused him to fall and cut his left hand. Lifesavers promptly administered first aid and handed him over to his companion. Elsewhere, a 32-year-old tourist from Andhra Pradesh was rescued from drowning after jumping into water without a lifejacket, with lifesaver Babu Gavli rushing in with a rescue tube to bring him safely ashore.

On Sinquerim beach, three members of a family from Gujarat were swept by a large wave, prompting lifesaver Anand Rawool, assisted by Divakar Desai, Santosh Linda, Jimdar Karai, and Mangesh Gawas, to coordinate a successful rescue using a rescue tube. A similar rescue was carried out at Candolim beach when a 30-year-old man from Bengaluru was caught in a rip current 70 meters offshore. Lifesaver Roshan K., with support from Nanda Sawant on a jet ski, brought him safely to shore.

On Calangute beach, a group of four children faced panic after two went missing while playing. Lifesaver Suraj Sawant alerted supervisor Vinod Gaonkar, who immediately launched a search operation using the patrol vehicle. The missing children were soon found on another stretch of the beach and reunited safely with their group.

Baga beach saw lifesavers Biliyam Surim and Jitendra Giri rescue a 56-year-old man from Kerala caught in a rip current. Similarly, at Vagator beach, two minor boys aged 14 and 15 were rescued from a rip current by lifesavers Yashwant Kurle and Sachin Naik. Lifesavers also attended to a 12-year-old boy who accidentally swallowed water while playing, ensuring his transfer to a medical facility via ambulance.

Miramar beach witnessed the successful tracing of a missing child by lifesaver Ramesh Bhomkar, who reunited the distressed child with their parents using the tower’s loudspeaker for coordination. At Benaulim beach, lifesaver Siddhesh Gaonkar rescued a 29-year-old woman from Bengaluru who drifted 50 meters offshore while using a bodyboard.

Palolem beach incidents included the rescue of a 70-year-old tourist from South Korea by lifesaver Kalpesh Pagi and a 38-year-old man from Pune by lifesavers Jeeva Gaonkar and Nilesh Velip. At Agonda beach, a 76-year-old man from the UK was rescued from a rip current by lifesaver Bhikesh Velip, with assistance from Nilesh Galankar on a jet ski.

Through swift coordination, vigilance, and expert lifesaving skills, Drishti Marine teams ensured the safety of tourists and locals alike, showcasing professionalism and dedication in every rescue operation across Goa over the weekend.

Travel

Tourism Department Honours Lifesavers After Mobor Rescue — 27 Lives Saved

Tanisha Cardozo

In a remarkable display of courage and community spirit, 27 fishermen were rescued from a drifting trawler near Mobor beach in Goa, thanks to the timely action of Drishti lifesavers and local fishermen. The incident occurred late on the night of September 27, 2025, when a local resident raised the alarm about a fishing trawler drifting dangerously close to a rocky river mouth.

Despite the darkness and challenging weather conditions, off-duty lifesavers from Drishti immediately began tracking the vessel’s movement through the night. By early morning, a full-scale coordinated rescue operation was launched, involving backup teams, jetskis, and support from local fishermen. Their combined efforts ensured that all 27 fishermen were brought safely ashore, preventing what could have been a major maritime tragedy.

In recognition of this extraordinary act of bravery, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, felicitated the lifesavers and fishermen at Paryatan Bhavan in Panaji. Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, and Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, were present at the ceremony, where they praised the bravery, preparedness, and swift action of those involved.

Minister Khaunte highlighted that such acts exemplify Goa’s unique spirit of service and community, reaffirming the state’s commitment to coastal safety. Director Kedar Naik commended the professionalism and teamwork that made the rescue possible, thanking each individual who played a role in the operation.

Special acknowledgment was given to lifesavers Shri Lovu Gaonkar, Shri Samir Gaonkar, Shri Satish Gaonkar, Shri Punu Velip, Shri Shashikant Jadhav, Shri Pankaj Bhute, Shri Meghraj Juvatkar, Shri Sunil Velip, and Shri Vishal Velip. Their courage and quick response were instrumental in ensuring the successful outcome of the mission.

CEO of Drishti Lifesaving, Shri Navin Awasthi, praised the team, stating that the incident reflects the training and commitment of lifesavers to protect lives at all hours. He also thanked the beach police and local fishermen for their support in executing the operation seamlessly.

The Department of Tourism extends heartfelt gratitude to all involved and reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of locals and visitors along Goa’s coastline.

Social

Drishti Marine Lifesavers Deployed at 47 Locations Across Goa for Ganesh Visarjan Safety

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, August 2025: As Goa prepares to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, the state’s lifesaving agency, Drishti Marine, has announced its deployment strategy to ensure safe idol immersions across the coastal state.

A total of 47 visarjan points — including 35 beaches and 12 inland water bodies — will be manned by trained lifesavers on all designated immersion days: August 28, 31 and September 2, 4, 6, and 17 (21st day visarjan). The deployment is part of a coordinated effort with the state government to manage public safety and support law and order during one of Goa’s most widely celebrated festivals.
Lifesaving teams will be present at immersion points with known risks due to strong sea currents or limited visibility at night. These lifesavers will guide families through the immersion process, helping carry idols into the water where required and preventing accidents in high-risk zones.

“Safety is our priority,” said Navin Awasthi, CEO of Drishti Marine. “Our lifesavers will be present late into the night to ensure that the immersion process is smooth and safe. Since the sea is still officially closed for swimming during this period, we urge everyone to follow lifesaver instructions and avoid venturing into rough waters.”

Key Deployment Points
Some of the major beach locations include Calangute, Candolim, Miramar, Benaulim, Palolem, Morjim, Vagator, and Baga. Inland locations like Mapusa Tar, Panaji ferry point, Cumbarjua ferry, and Aldona pond will also have lifesavers posted in coordination with local panchayats and public organisations.

Prepared for Emergencies
Drishti Marine has also arranged standby teams and support vehicles for quick response in case of emergency. Each site will have between two to six lifesavers, depending on the crowd size and the location’s risk profile.

Public Advisory
The agency has issued a reminder for families to:

  • Use only designated entry points for immersion
  • Follow all instructions from lifesavers
  • Closely monitor children, especially after dark
  • Avoid non-designated or risky areas, no matter how shallow the water appears

As thousands gather to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha, Drishti Marine’s lifesavers will remain a steady and watchful presence — ensuring that the spirit of celebration continues safely across Goa’s coasts and water bodies.