Udupi: Elderly Man Rescued after Three Days Trapped in Well
Udupi: In a remarkable tale of survival, Srinivasa Acharya, a 62-year-old resident of Kambalakatta in Adi Udupi, was successfully rescued after spending three days trapped in a 20-foot-deep well. The incident has drawn attention to the resilience of the human spirit and the crucial role of community vigilance.
Acharya, who lives alone, had been recuperating from a recent illness. On Saturday evening, he was attempting to retrieve a rope connected to a pump foot valve pipe from the well located in front of his residence. During the process, the rope unexpectedly broke, causing Acharya to lose his balance and plunge into the water-filled well.
Despite the sudden fall, Acharya managed to remain afloat by clinging to the pipe and the broken rope within the well. He reportedly called out for assistance, but his cries went unanswered due to his isolated location and weakened state.
The discovery of Acharya’s plight was triggered by an overdue delivery of a gas cylinder. Acharya had previously borrowed a cylinder from a local acquaintance named Ganesh. When Ganesh sought to reclaim his cylinder, Acharya informed him that his own pre-booked cylinder had not yet been delivered.
Growing concerned after several days without communication, Ganesh contacted the gas agency. Agency personnel visited Acharya’s house, only to find it locked and apparently unoccupied. This prompted Ganesh to request that nearby residents investigate Acharya’s well-being. During a thorough search of the premises, local residents inspected the well and were shocked to find Acharya submerged in the water, exhibiting signs of extreme weakness and exhaustion after enduring three days without sustenance.
Upon this discovery, the Udupi Fire and Emergency Services team was immediately dispatched to the scene. Led by experienced firefighters Satish and Ashwin Sanil, along with driver Bharat N. and firefighters Ganesh Vetal and Mahantesh, the team, in collaboration with local residents, initiated a rescue operation. Fire personnel descended into the well and successfully extricated Acharya from his precarious situation.
Acharya was initially admitted to a private hospital for immediate medical attention. He was subsequently transferred to the district hospital for further observation and treatment. Following a period of recuperation, Srinivasa Acharya has made a full recovery and is expected to return home.