SDRF personnel during the search operation at the Doyang reservoir on April 12.
Morung Express News
Wokha | April 12
Search operations to recover the body of a 26-year-old youth who drowned in the Doyang Reservoir resumed on Sunday, April 12 2026, even as rescue teams continued to face significant challenges.
The victim, identified as Yilobemo Kikon of Pangti village, went missing on April 11, 2026 afternoon after the canoe he was rowing reportedly capsized in the middle of the reservoir between 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm. The incident was witnessed by anglers fishing nearby, though the exact cause of the mishap remains unclear.
According to officials, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police personnel from the Doyang outpost reached the site after receiving a distress call at around 4:00 pm on Saturday.
However, search operations could not be initiated that day due to the late hour.
On Sunday, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF began search operations at approximately 10:20 am. The teams carried out systematic efforts, deploying two deep divers and utilising methods such as the spiralling boat technique to create surface disturbance in an attempt to bring the body up.
Speaking to media persons, Assistant Commandant of the 12th NDRF Battalion, Itanagar, Phuleswar Lahon stated that despite a full day of intensive search, the body could not be recovered. He cited the absence of a confirmed location of the incident as a major constraint.
He further explained that the cold water conditions limited the duration divers could remain underwater, forcing the suspension of operations after 4:00 pm. The estimated depth of the site, around 300 feet, has also made the search operation particularly challenging.
Officials informed that the search will resume again in the early hours of April 13. The NDRF has also appealed to the district administration to deploy an underwater drone to assist in the ongoing efforts.
