11 SDRF, fire services personnel missing after rescue boats capsize in Telangana floodwaters

The incident took place in Sathupalli mandal after five fishermen who had ventured into the tank to set up fishing nets got caught in a strong current and were unable to return to safety. The tank was overflowing following heavy rainfall.

According to a statement from the office of state revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, three fire services personnel initially entered the flooded tank in a boat to rescue the fishermen. Their boat developed a technical snag, leaving them stranded in the water.

A larger rescue operation was subsequently launched, involving six SDRF personnel from Kothagudem, four additional Fire Services personnel and two local guides. The team set out in two boats to rescue both the stranded firefighters and the fishermen.

The teams managed to bring back the three fire services personnel whose boat had developed a technical problem. While proceeding towards the fishermen, both rescue boats capsized in the turbulent waters, leaving 11 personnel missing, the statement said.

Officials were also making arrangements to use drones to drop life jackets to those caught in the floodwaters. Preliminary information indicated that all five fishermen trapped in the tank were safe. Efforts were continuing to trace the 11 missing rescue personnel.

He also instructed chief secretary Sanjay Jaju to continuously monitor the situation and review the progress of the rescue operations.

Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy expressed concern over the incident and directed officials to expedite the search operation. He also stressed the need to ensure the availability of all necessary rescue equipment and boats.

Srinivasa Reddy said he was in constant touch with the district collector and was reviewing the rescue efforts. He announced that he would visit the site on Thursday morning to assess the situation and oversee the operation.