Search on for drowned youth in Doyang

Search operations to recover the body of a youth feared drowned in Doyang Reservoir resumed on Sunday, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) commencing operations around 10:20 am.
The operation follows Saturday’s incident in which a 26-year-old man, identified as Yilobemo Kikon of Pangti village, is suspected to have drowned after falling from his canoe between 2 pm and 2:30 pm. Officials said the depth of the reservoir– estimated at around 300 feet– has posed a major challenge, compounded by uncertainty over the exact location of the incident.
Rescue teams carried out systematic searches, deploying two deep divers and adopting methods such as the spiralling boat technique to create surface movement in an attempt to locate the body. However, divers could not remain underwater for long due to extremely cold conditions.
Assistant Commandant, 12 NDRF, Itanagar, Phuleswar Lahon said the body could not be recovered despite day-long efforts. He cited uncertain location and cold water as key constraints, adding that operations were suspended after 4 pm.
An eyewitness said he saw the victim fall into the water while canoeing but could not pinpoint the exact spot.
Search operations will resume on April 13, with NDRF also urging deployment of an underwater drone to aid the effort.