- In recognition of his gallantry action, he will be felicitated along with a cash prize of Rs 3 Lacs in the State function
NE NEWS SERVICE
GANDHINAGAR, JAN 24
Assam Government will be felicitating Bhrigo Muni Das, Adh(ME), PTM, a Subordinate Officer of the Indian Coast Guard and a domicile of Assam, in acknowledgement of his exemplary courage of saving 14 precious lives, on the occasion of Republic Day 2024 in Guwahati on Friday, says an ICG release.
The valiant Subordinate Officer is presently borne in the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sajag at Porbandar in Gujarat. In recognition of his gallantry action, he will be felicitated along with a cash prize of Rs 3 Lacs in the State function.
“The SO was awarded President Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) for his exemplary bravery in a Search and Rescue Operation, off Daman, in 2015, for saving 14 precious lives despite grave danger to his life, on the occasion of Republic Day 2016,” the statement added.
In June 2015, a distress call was issued by Merchant Vessel Coastal Pride which was heavily listed to port and was sinking. ICG Air Station Daman sprang into action to the rescue of the crew, despite adverse weather conditions. The Subordinate Officer, then a Uttam Navik, was tasked onboard the Helo as an Air Crew Diver.
Bhrigo Muni Das displayed immense courage, wherein, he boarded the ill-fated vessel and immediately started winching of crew to safety despite adverse sea and wind conditions. Also, to counter the list, he had the crew moved to starboard side to reduce the flooding. During this time, he displayed appreciable analytical skills, wherein, he had advised the crew of impending sinking of the ship. By the time 5 crew were winched up, the Subordinate Officer decided to abandon the ship as sinking of the ship was imminent. He and rest of the crew thus jumped in to water and cleared off the sinking ship.
In sea water, Das got hold of a floating Gemini Boat and courageously started rescue of the rest of crew into the boat and continued winching them up to Helo for faster rescue.
Thus Bhrigo Muni Das, Adh(ME), PTM displayed courageous actions during the operation keeping in with the ICG Motto of ‘We Protect’.
