Tale of a true leader: How one man fought the odds to save lives of 6 men

13th June, 2020

Overview:

The date was 29th August, 2010 when INS Shankush under the command of Lt. Cdr. Firdaus Mogal started its sail towards the Arabian sea for a mission.

INS Shankush. Source:Google

Mid-way between the journey, the submarine ran into a grave problem. The starboard outer exhaust flap became in-operational, the weather of the sea was also rapidly becoming violent and authorities decided to resurface the submarine to repair it.

The next morning, when 3 sailors under the Engineering officer started repairing the submarine from the casing, a huge wave swept them into the sea and the violent sea tides started drifting them.

Lt. Cdr. Mogal showed extreme valor in saving them and even sacrificed his life for them. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his courage and determination. The simulation complex in INS Satavahana is named after him as he worked hard to set it up.

Service Photograph of Lt. Cdr. Firdaus Mogal

Fighting death: The unfortunate wave

Just when the Engineers were repairing the exhaust, a huge violent wave sent all of them overboard, the third sailor was holding to aft casing and also sustained injuries in leg immobilizing him. Seeing the situation getting out of control, the officer carried the sailor from aft casing to the bridge. Only a man of his strength and fortitude could have thought of even attempting such a task in the prevailing weather condition.

However, Lt. Cdr. Mogal didn't stop there, he decided to dive and save the remaining men, and along with the divers he was able to save every casualty. At last, when the divers asked him to board the submarine, he refused asking them to go first as they were quite tired causing them to be immobilized. They insisted but at last, boarded the submarine. Just when Lt. Cdr. Mogal was boarding the submarine, a huge wave came crashing at him, thrashing his head into the metal casing and sending him back into the sea. He went unconscious and was later rescued by a helicopter and taken to INHS Mumbai, where he was declared dead.

I am sure that, this story will reach your heart. I hope that the readers will imbibe qualities of valor, determination and selflessness shown by Lt. Cdr. Mogal  in themselves. For more such articles on heroes of our Armed forces, stay tuned with my blog. Feel free to provide feedback or suggestion in the comments!

Jai Hind!

~ Apoorv Saxena