West Bengal: Naval divers deployed at Gangasagar

KOLKATA: A team of naval divers has reached Kolkata from Visakhapatnam for deployment at Sagar Island for the annual Gangasagar Mela. The Navy has deployed its divers on a request from the Bengal government. The deployment is being coordinated by the Naval Officer-in-Charge, West Bengal.
“Like every year, there will be lakhs of pilgrims taking the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges and the sea at Sagar Island during Makar Sankranti.Pilgrims arrive there not only from all parts of India but neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The 12-member contingent not only comprises expert divers, there are also those with experience in CPR and other life-saving techniques. The team is equipped with Gemini boats and advanced diving equipment and lights,” a senior naval officer said.
Rescue operations around Sagar Island are tricky due to the muddy waters. It takes expert diving teams with specialised equipment like sensors and underwater lights to trace people who may be drowning.
In 2017, the naval divers had been pressed into service after a stampede in Kochuberia.