Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: A mushroom-foraging trip turned into a nightlong ordeal for four women from the Amone ward of Poinguinim village after they lost their way deep inside Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday evening. Thanks to a brief mobile network signal and swift action by their relatives, all four were successfully rescued in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to local sources, the women ventured into the forest at around 6:00 p.m. in search of seasonal wild mushrooms, intending to return before dark. However, the quest led them deeper into unfamiliar territory. As night fell and rains intensified, the group realised they were lost.
After more than two hours of trying to retrace their steps, one woman attempted to use her mobile phone but found there was no network. Eventually, while walking in one direction, a weak signal appeared. She quickly called her family, informing them of their situation and mentioned hearing the sound of a stream nearby.
Family members back in Amone quickly mobilised, forming search parties and heading into the forest in the direction the women had gone. They advised the stranded group to stay near the stream to aid rescue efforts, just before the call disconnected.
The search continued for several hours in the rain-drenched forest. At one point, rescuers heard the sound of a running stream and followed its path. Their persistence paid off when they finally located the woman safe, though shaken, along the banks.
The group returned to the village by the early hours of Tuesday, ending the dramatic night rescue successfully.
