Training over, India's 1st all-women scuba diving team ready to serve

A FISHERMAN out on his boat suddenly clutched his chest and fell into the river. People called for help and threw objects towards him to rescue him, but in vain.

- GOPIKA VARRIER @Thrissur

Suddenly, a team of women responders reached the spot on a dinghy of the fire and rescue services department. Carrying life-support equipment, they jumped into the water and pulled the fisherman out without wasting a second. They then gave him proper first-aid and saved his life.

The all-women team of scuba divers of the fire and rescue services department impressed all with their skills and expertise during the demonstration held as part of their passing-out parade on Tuesday.

The team of 17 divers, the first all-women group in the state as well as the country, passed out of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy, Thrissur. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan received the salute during their water parade and felicitated them with medals.