Palghar fireman, his friends rescue five dolphins from Virar

Gavankar, who works as fireman with the Palghar fire brigade, and his friends saw the dolphins when they were playing football along the beach

Fireman Abhishek Gavankar, 23, and his friends on Sunday rescued five Striped Dolphins washed ashore the beach at Umargothan village in Kalambh, Virar.

Fireman Abhishek Gavankar, 23, and his friends with one of the rescued dolphins (Rafiq Patel)

Gavankar, who works as fireman with the Palghar fire brigade, and his friends saw the dolphins when they were playing football along the beach.

“The dolphins were unable to breathe. I tried to pick up the dolphins and drag them into the sea,but they weighed at least 40kg each, so we rolled the dolphins into the sea, after which they took to the water,” said Gavankar. “The entire operation lasted an hour. We are happy we could save the dolphins.”

Classo Fernandes, fire officer, Palghar fire brigade, said he would recommend his name to Prashant Thombre, chief executive officer (CEO) Palghar Municipal Council (PMC) so Gavankar could be given a certificate of appreciation.“Gavankar did a magnificent job even off duty,”said Fernandes.

.