The unfortunate incident of the drowning of the septuagenarian physician, M. Rama Rao (74), of Praja Vaidyasala in the Krishna and his fight for survival (he is on ventilator) has sent shock waves among the members of Aqua Devils Association, situated on the river bank, on Monday.
“For the first time such an incident took place on the premises of our association despite strict vigil and precautionary measures. We are all saddened by the incident and we pray for his speedy recovery,” said a pensive V. Ramakrishna, secretary of the association.
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A regular at river Krishna for over 15 years, the diminutive doctor, along with his ‘batch’ took a plunge on Sunday morning after tying the precautionary lifebelt. Soon he got trapped in the fishing net dipped at a distance by the fishermen anticipating a catch. After a vain bid to wriggle out of the net, he shouted for help and his friends -- all well over 60 -- took a pedal boat to rescue their friend.
“The sudden shock and trauma led to hypertension. He is under observation for 48 hours. All his family members are doctors and they are doing their best to save him,” Mr. Ramakrishna added.
The fishermen, on a daily basis, dip the nylon nets in water after 6.30 p.m. and at the stroke of dawn – around 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. -- they collect their catch and remove the nets.
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“Even boats dread to sail after sunset because of the nets. This is a routine ritual and all the members of the association know pretty well about the existence of the nets in water. The small plastic floats attached to the nets are the indicator and it is easy to identify them (the nets) from a distance,” said Anjaneya Raju, a keen swimmer.