Rescuer-turned-survivor recounts harrowing ordeal after Telangana boat capsizing

On November 4, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded at Bethupalli Peddacheruvu in Khammam, Telangana, when two boats capsized during a rescue operation aimed at saving six fishermen stranded in a lake. The operation involved personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Fire Department, totaling ten brave individuals who found themselves in peril as floodwaters surged unexpectedly. Among them was B. Naresh, a head constable with the Telangana State Special Police (TSSP), who clung to life in a harrowing night of survival.

The rescue operation commenced in the late afternoon, with SDRF and Fire Department personnel deploying boats to reach the stranded fishermen. However, as the evening progressed, the weather worsened, and the lake's waters became increasingly turbulent. At approximately 6 PM, just as the team was nearing the fishermen, both boats capsized due to the gushing floodwaters.

Naresh, who had dedicated his career to rescuing others, found himself in a life-threatening situation. "We were trying to save the fishermen when suddenly the boats were overturned. It all happened so fast; one moment we were working, and the next, we were fighting for our lives," he recounted.

The SDRF personnel, along with Naresh, were thrown into the icy waters, struggling against the current. In a desperate bid for survival, Naresh managed to swim towards a nearby tree and clung to it throughout the night, his body battered by the cold and exhaustion.

As night fell, the situation became dire. Naresh, along with two other personnel who also managed to grab hold of the tree, faced the chilling reality of their predicament. "It was like a nightmare. I kept thinking about my family and how I needed to survive for them," Naresh shared, his voice trembling with emotion.

The rescue operation was complicated by the darkness and the relentless rain, which made visibility nearly impossible. Meanwhile, anxious family members gathered at the rescue site, praying for the safe return of their loved ones. Naresh's family, who had been waiting for news, were particularly distressed, fearing the worst.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was called in to assist with the rescue efforts. Their team arrived early on November 5, 2026, equipped with specialized gear and trained personnel ready to navigate the treacherous conditions. After a thorough search that lasted over 12 hours, the NDRF successfully located and rescued all ten personnel, including Naresh and the stranded fishermen.

"When I saw the lights of the rescue team approaching, I felt a surge of hope. I knew I had to hold on just a little longer," Naresh recalled. The NDRF team used ropes and harnesses to pull the survivors from the tree and back to safety, where they were immediately provided with medical attention.

Once safely on land, Naresh was reunited with his family, who had spent a sleepless night filled with worry. "It’s like a rebirth to me," he said, tears of relief streaming down his face. The emotional reunion underscored the profound impact of the ordeal, not just on Naresh but on all those involved.

Naresh's experience highlights the risks faced by rescue personnel in emergency situations. "We train for these scenarios, but nothing can truly prepare you for the fear of being in such a life-threatening situation. I am grateful to be alive and to have been rescued," he stated.

The incident has sparked conversations within the community about the need for enhanced safety measures during rescue operations, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. Local officials have pledged to review protocols and ensure that rescue teams are better equipped to handle emergencies in the future.

As the community comes together to support the families of the fishermen and the rescue personnel, Naresh's story serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of those who risk their lives to save others. His journey from rescuer to survivor is a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.