KALPETTA: The search and rescue operations to trace the four persons who went missing in the Banasura Sagar dam in Wayanad will continue for the third straight day on Tuesday as there has been little or no success for the rescuers so far.The search operations conducted jointly by police, fire and rescue personnel and people were called off by 5 pm on Monday due to inclement weather.
Padinjarathara Sub Inspector Aboobacker P A, said, “The strong winds and heavy rain are hampering rescue operations. Navy divers will join the search on Tuesday morning.”
The officer said the seven-member group had had set off around 11 pm on Sunday in two coracles tied together for fishing in the dam waters. The coracles overturned some 30 minutes later throwing all the occupants off board.
Sachin Chandran,22; Binu Molekunnel,45 and Melbin Mathew, 35 hailing from Nellipoyil in Kozhikode and Padinjarekkudiyil Wilson, 30, from Padinjarathara here are the persons reported missing in the mishap,according to the police.
However,three occupants of the ill-fated coracle - Chittilapilly Joby,35 from Thusharagiri; Nooranthodu Jobin,22 from Kodenchery and Pulakudiyil Midhun,19 from Chembukadavu managed to swim ashore.
They have since been discharged from hospital after being administered first aid.