Mangaluru: What began as an adventure to one of Dakshina Kannada’s most scenic trekking destinations ended in a dramatic rescue operation on Thursday after a tourist suffered a leg fracture and was left stranded atop Gadaikallu.
Incident Details
Venkatesh, fire station officer of Belthangady taluk, reported that Mohammed Sharif, 30, had trekked to the hill with three companions, including two women, when he sprained his leg near the summit and was unable to descend. The group had started their trek in the morning after purchasing entry tickets.
Terrain and Popularity
Gadaikallu, at an elevation of 1,788 feet above sea level, attracts hundreds of adventure enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. However, the trek is known for its steep rocky terrain, which poses risks to visitors.
Rescue Operation
The fire officer said that around 1 pm, a distress call was made to the police emergency helpline 112, following which personnel from the Belthangady fire and emergency services were alerted. They rushed to the spot with a foldable stretcher, and locals also joined the mission. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the summit, covering a distance of about 3 km.
Soon, Avinash Bhide of the Dharmasthala Shaurya Disaster Response Team was alerted, and a team of five members joined the rescue. Bhide said that preliminary reports suggest Sharif had a fall while attempting to take a selfie. He appeared to be in considerable pain, making it impossible for him to negotiate the descent.
What followed was a coordinated operation involving firefighters, forest officials, disaster response volunteers, and locals. Taking turns to carry the injured trekker down the steep hill, the rescuers carefully navigated the rugged terrain to ensure his safety.
Conclusion of Rescue
The rescue operation concluded around 4:45 pm, when Sharif was brought down and shifted to a hospital for treatment. Witnesses said he was visibly in pain but relieved as rescuers reached him.
Previous Incidents
A senior forest official noted that because of the difficult terrain, there have been several instances of trekkers getting sprains, especially during descent. This incident highlights the need for caution and preparedness while trekking in such areas.
