Search operation by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is continuing to recover the body of a youth feared drowned in Doyang Reservoir near Wokha in Nagaland.
The operation follows Saturday’s incident in which a 26-year-old youth, identified as Yilobemo Kikon of Pangti village, is suspected to have drowned after falling from his canoe. Officials said the depth of the reservoir– estimated at around 300 feet– has posed a major challenge, compounded by uncertainty over the exact spot of the incident.
Rescue teams carried out systematic searches, deploying two deep divers and adopting methods such as the spiralling boat technique to create surface movement in an attempt to locate the body. However, divers could not remain underwater for long due to extremely cold conditions.
Assistant Commandant, 12 NDRF, Itanagar, Phuleswar Lahon said the body could not be recovered despite day-long efforts on Sunday. He cited uncertain location and cold water as key constraints, adding that operations were suspended after 4 pm.
An eyewitness said he saw the victim fall into the water while canoeing but could not pinpoint the exact spot.
Search operations resumed on Monday, with NDRF requesting for deployment of an underwater drone to complement their efforts.
