A joint operation by the Indian Navy and the NDRF to rescue the 15 miners trapped in a flooded coal mine in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills since December 13, began on Monday around 10 a.m.
“The Indian Navy will enter the main shaft to survey the bottom of the mine using UWROV or Under Water Remotely Operated Vehicle. The Navy requested the District Administration to assist in dewatering so that water level comes down to 30 meters or within safe diving limit then they will again commence diving. These safety measures are being undertaken to rule out decompression sickness,” the spokesperson for Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district administration said.
Besides the NDRF, who are providing logistic and human resource support to the Navy, the Odisha Fire Service is also present to commence pumping with at least three machines in the nearby shafts.
