KATHMANDU, June 5: The two Armed Police Force (APF) personnel who went missing in the Saptakoshi River on Thursday have been identified as certified diving instructors.
According to police sources, Suraj Saud of Doti and Hardeo Rajbanshi of Jhapa had been conducting a training session in the area since Thursday morning.
Search intensifies for two APF divers missing in Saptakoshi
They disappeared during a search and rescue drill at the Koshi Barrage section of the river while instructing trainees on the northern side of the barrage.
The APF reported that the water level in the Saptakoshi had risen significantly in recent days. At the time of the incident, the lower gates of the barrage were open. The two instructors, who were equipped with oxygen gear, were carrying out the drill in the upper section when they went missing.
Police suspect the strong current caused by the open southern gates may have created an underwater vortex that pulled them beneath the surface.
Trainees involved in the drill immediately attempted to rescue the missing instructors, with some briefly swept away by the powerful current.
Search and rescue operations are underway.
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