IT Professional Rescued After Three Days Lost in Coorg Wilderness
The family of G S Sharanya, a 36-year-old IT professional from Perode in Nadapuram, Kozhikode district, experienced overwhelming relief on Sunday evening when she was finally located following an intensive three-day search operation in the challenging terrain of the Madikeri forests in Coorg.
Disappearance During Trekking Expedition
Sharanya, who is employed in Kochi, had gone missing on the afternoon of April 2 while trekking at the popular Tadiandamol peak. Her sudden disappearance triggered immediate concern among family members and local authorities, prompting a coordinated rescue effort involving multiple teams.
Her mother, Shailaja, described the emotional rollercoaster when she received the crucial phone call from her brother Haridasan in Madikeri confirming that search teams had successfully located her daughter. "I always believed nothing would happen to her. She would reassure me wherever she went she would return safely. She is a very confident person. Though I usually worry even over small matters, I had faith that she would come back," Shailaja said, her voice trembling with emotion.
From Anxiety to Celebration
The atmosphere at Sharanya's family home transformed dramatically from one of deep anxiety to joyous celebration as relatives, neighbors, and local political leaders gathered to watch television footage showing Sharanya smiling after her rescue. The collective sigh of relief was palpable throughout the community.
Survival Story in the Wilderness
Speaking to reporters after her rescue, Sharanya recounted her harrowing experience of becoming lost during what should have been a routine trek. "I lost my way and when I saw people on the hilltop, I tried to reach them by taking a route uphill, but soon they disappeared from view. I then moved downhill but lost network connectivity and ended up in a dense forest. I kept walking till around 6.45pm, and my phone also got switched off," she explained.
Her survival strategy involved several calculated decisions:
- Reaching a rocky stream area where she spent her first night due to leg pain
- Remaining in an area with good visibility on the second day, hoping to be spotted by drone searches
- Waiting for her clothes to dry after rain disrupted her plans to climb higher on the third day
- Intermittently screaming in the hope that someone would hear her calls for help
"I had only a 500ml bottle of water. Later, I relied on water from a nearby stream," Sharanya revealed, highlighting the resourcefulness that helped sustain her during the ordeal.
Successful Rescue Operation
The breakthrough came when local residents participating in the search team finally heard Sharanya's cries for help and were able to trace her location. The coordinated efforts between professional rescue teams and local volunteers proved crucial in ensuring her safe return.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper preparation and safety measures when engaging in wilderness activities, even in popular trekking destinations like Tadiandamol peak in Coorg.
