A visit to a popular waterfall near the Maharashtra-Goa border turned into a prolonged survival situation after six young men became stranded due to rapidly rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall. Following an extensive rescue operation lasting nearly 18 hours, all six were safely rescued on Monday morning by teams from the Forest Department, Fire and Emergency Services, and the police.
The group, hailing from Sankhalim, had visited the Vajra Sakla waterfall near Virdi-Dodamarg on Sunday. However, intense rainfall in the region caused water levels to surge suddenly, leaving them trapped beneath the waterfall and cut off by swollen streams.
Among those stranded was the son of Sankhalim Municipal Council chairperson Siddhi Parab. According to officials, the youths had gone to the waterfall without informing their families.
The area lacked mobile network connectivity, preventing them from reaching anyone for help. When they did not return home by late Sunday night, concerned family members reported the matter to the police.
Using mobile location tracking, police were able to identify their location near the waterfall in Maharashtra, prompting a large-scale rescue effort.
Rescue Operation Continued Through the Night
Personnel from Goa Police, Maharashtra Police, the Forest Department and the Fire Department launched a coordinated operation despite heavy rain and difficult terrain. Rescue teams worked throughout the night to reach the stranded youths.
After nearly 18 hours of efforts, all six were successfully brought to safety in the early hours of Monday.
Authorities confirmed that none of the youths were harmed during the incident.
Chief Minister Directed Immediate Assistance
After being informed about the situation, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant instructed government agencies and police authorities to provide all necessary support for the rescue mission. Reports indicate that some of the rescued individuals are related to the chief minister.
A video showing the youths stranded at the waterfall has since circulated widely on social media, attracting significant public attention and highlighting the dramatic nature of the rescue.
The incident has once again raised safety concerns regarding monsoon tourism at waterfalls and similar locations, where heavy rainfall can cause water levels to rise suddenly and create dangerous conditions within a short span of time.
