Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Lifesavers of Drishti Marine remained on high alert over the weekend, responding to a double rescue, dog bite incidents, medical emergencies and multiple cases of missing belongings traced along Goa’s coastline.
At Morjim beach, two tourists from Maharashtra aged 27 and 54 were trapped in a flash rip current while swimming. On noticing them in distress, lifesaver Pramod Mahale rushed into the water. He was soon joined by lifesavers Tanaji and Vinod Salelkar, who arrived on a jetski and safely brought both victims back to shore.
At Majorda beach, a 52-year-old man was attacked by a stray dog during a beach walk, sustaining bite injuries on his back. Supervisor Devendra Gaude rushed to his aid and administered first aid at the lifesaver tower. The victim was advised to seek further medical treatment.
In another incident at Benaulim beach, lifesaver Sagar Gaude was attacked by four stray dogs while on duty. One of the dogs bit his right leg, following which he was sent to hospital for treatment. Notably, two months ago, lifesaver captain Cleyton Vaz had also been attacked by stray dogs at the same beach.
Medical assistance was also extended at Palolem beach, where a 78-year-old German tourist developed breathing difficulties while seated near the shore. Lifesavers placed him in the recovery position, administered oxygen and alerted the ambulance service. He was later shifted to a government hospital in Margao for further care.
At Colva beach, a 25-year-old watersports operator sustained a leg injury after a boat engine struck him when the vessel overturned due to high waves. Lifesavers provided on-site first aid and advised him to seek medical attention.
The weekend also witnessed several instances of lost property being recovered and returned. At Calangute beach, a missing bag found during the final patrol was handed over to police and later returned to its owners. Another unattended bag at Colva beach was secured and returned after due verification.
At Benaulim beach, lifesavers found a set of cards, including a debit card and a government ID belonging to a Kazakhstan national. After making inquiries with shack owners and tourists and following due protocol, the cards were returned to the rightful owner. Meanwhile, at Galgibaga beach, a lost mobile phone was traced and handed back to its owner after verification.
The spate of incidents underscored the vigilance and prompt response of lifesavers in ensuring the safety of beachgoers across Goa.
