Shiroor (Karnataka): The team, led by diving expert Eshwar Malpe, made multiple attempts to reach Arjun’s lorry amidst strong currents and adverse weather conditions in Shiroor on Saturday. Despite their efforts, which concluded after five attempts, the operation will continue on Sunday.

During the first phase of the operation, the team entered the water three times. Due to the strong current, they had to return to shore and then re-enter the river twice more before concluding the day's efforts.

Eshwar Malpe, who entered the water, revealed to Manjeswaram MLA AKM Ashraf that visibility was extremely poor, with only large stones in sight, and he could not yet reach the lorry.

During the first stage of the operation, the rope attached to Malpe snapped, causing him to be swept away for over 150 meters. He was eventually rescued and brought back to the boat, thanks to the swift intervention of his team. In addition to the rescue workers' boats, a local fisherman's boat has also been deployed to aid in the operation.

After securing a rope to their bodies, the divers descend into the river. However, team members say the strong undercurrent is making it impossible to reach the lorry. Visibility is severely restricted because of the murky water. The divers are equipped with iron rods, which they use to probe their surroundings by feeling for obstacles due to their limited vision. Boats and personnel from the NDRF, Navy, and Army are stationed at the site.

The Malpe team has conducted numerous rescue missions, including in the same river. They have successfully managed challenging conditions, including overcoming strong currents, in the past. This experience has fostered significant confidence in their ability to handle the current rescue operation.

There are also reports that the inspection will start again on Sunday. Although the rains have subsided in the area, the mountain flood is creating a crisis.