In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, personnel from the Indian Navy played a crucial role in saving the life of a young woman who was critically injured during a boat accident on the Mahanadi River in Cuttack district. The incident occurred on Friday when 25-year-old Nandini Das sustained severe head injuries due to a collision between two speedboats situated about one kilometre away from the Balijatra ground.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the impact of the crash resulted in one of the boat’s propellers striking Das, leaving her in a precarious condition. Fortunately, a diving team from the Indian Navy was conducting a reconnaissance mission nearby and observed the incident. Their immediate response was vital.
According to Navy sources, team members wasted no time in jumping into action to rescue the stricken woman, who was reported to be bleeding heavily. Demonstrating commendable teamwork and physical endurance, they carried her nearly one kilometre on their shoulders to reach the nearest police aid post.
With the ambulance response delayed, the naval personnel made a swift decision to transport Das to the hospital using an autorickshaw. She was urgently taken to SCB Medical College and Hospital, where medical personnel provided her with essential emergency treatment. The hospital administration expressed gratitude for the prompt actions taken by the Navy, emphasizing that their intervention significantly mitigated what could have been a dire situation.
Later, police officials arrived at the hospital accompanied by Das’s family members, who were understandably anxious for updates on her condition. As of now, she remains under intensive care in the emergency ward, continuing her recovery from the traumatic incident. The episode not only highlights the critical role of the Navy in civilian emergencies but also underscores the unexpected and often dangerous nature of recreational activities on waterways.
