Remote sensing tech deployed as search for missing Lakshadweep policemen continues

KOCHI: The search for two Lakshadweep policemen who went missing after their patrol boat met with an accident near Suheli Island has entered its second week, with authorities deploying remote sensing technology to scour the sea. The search entered its 14th day on Monday, as per Deccan Chronicle, while The New Indian Express reported it as the 12th day on Saturday.

The two missing policemen have been identified as Nabeel K M and Hidayathulla K C. A third officer, Ummer, was also on board the patrol boat when it met with an accident on August 11, according to Deccan Chronicle. The boat had set out for routine patrol duty from the Suheli Island Police Outpost around 10 am, as reported by The New Indian Express.

Suheli Island, a remote, oval-shaped coral atoll in Lakshadweep, located about 47 km southwest of Kavaratti, is uninhabited. Police said the three officers were the only personnel stationed at the outpost there, having been deployed on August 1 for a 20-day assignment. Since the island has no regular boat service, they were transported by helicopter, both reports noted.

The patrol boat is believed to have met with the accident around noon due to strong currents, according to The New Indian Express. The officers initially managed to hold on to rocks, but a powerful wave separated them, and they were swept in different directions. One of the policemen was carried by the current towards the island and managed to reach the shore. The other two, Nabeel and Hidayathulla, remain missing.

A senior official of the Lakshadweep Administration, quoted by The New Indian Express, said, "Search operations are currently being carried out using remote sensing technology, but there has been no breakthrough so far. The police department has deployed several personnel in the area along with boats. A team equipped with remote sensing technology and other advanced equipment is currently involved in the search."

Deccan Chronicle also reported that a senior administration official stated on Sunday that police personnel, boats, and a specialised team equipped with remote sensing technology and other advanced equipment have been deployed. However, no breakthrough has been reported so far.

The families of the missing policemen have continued to seek an escalation of the search operation, according to Deccan Chronicle.