Navy Divers Continue Search Operations for Missing Kerala Lorry Driver in Gangavali River

Indian Navy divers are conducting search operations in Karnataka's Gangavali river for Kerala lorry driver Arjun and two others, missing after a landslide in Shirur village. Parts of a truck have been found amidst significant debris. The operation is carried out in coordination with the district administration and involves extensive underwater sonars.

Indian Navy divers from the Karwar naval base initiated search operations in Karnataka's Gangavali river on Wednesday to locate Kerala lorry driver Arjun and two others who went missing following a landslide in Shirur village, Uttara Kannada district, almost a month ago.

Per a defence ministry statement, the divers recovered parts of a truck during their underwater activities.

Significant debris, including heavy boulders and trees, complicates the search, potentially requiring dredging. The Indian Navy's diving and survey teams remain stationed in Shirur, working closely with the local administration.

''The Indian Navy remains committed to supporting the search until all objectives are achieved and normalcy is restored,'' the statement affirmed.

The operations commenced at the request of the Karwar district administration, facilitated by reduced river currents and imagery analysis using underwater sonars.

Arjun has been missing since July 16 when his timber-laden lorry was swept into the river during the landslide.

The Kerala government sought urgent intervention from the Union Defence Ministry for additional Navy support, given their expertise in deep diving. They had also appealed to the Karnataka government to resume search efforts.

The search operations were resumed in earnest by the Navy, National Disaster Response Force, and other agencies after a hiatus of over two weeks.

(With inputs from agencies.)