Meghalaya miners rescue: Indian Navy, NDRF begin joint operation; Navy divers to make fresh attempt

A joint operation by the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) began on Monday morning with an aim to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya. 

The Indian Navy conducted a survey of the mine using Under Water Remotely Vehicle (UWROV) earlier today. 

The Navy has requested Meghalaya district administration to assist in the dewatering of the mine to facilitate diving operations. 

The NDRF is available on the site with two teams to provide all possible support and assistance to other agencies including the Navy. 

On the 18th day of rescue operation, Navy divers will attempt diving again today with sophisticated equipment called drager. 

Drager is a capsule which enables one to diver further, deeper. With the help of the equipment, the divers hope to reach the mouth of the mine where miners are believed to be stuck. 

However, the chilling water of the river inside the mine is likely to pose a threat to the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Odisha state department's high-capacity water pumps are stationed at the site to suck out water from the nearby shafts. 

Coal India is expected to send special submersible pumps of 100 horsepower which can help in taking water out from the mines more effectively. The pumps may reach the site today or by Tuesday morning. 

15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village in Meghalaya since December 13. Water from the nearby river Lytein has flooded the mine making rescue operations more challenging.