Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter on Monday  rescued two fishermen while two others swam to safety on their own, after the ladder which they were climbing snapped prompting them to jump in the gushing stream after losing their balance.

The fishermen, in the absence of any other help, swam to safety on their own. They were left stranded at the bottom of a pillar after water levels in the River Tawi started rising abruptly following incessant rain in the high hills.

The IAF was called after State disaster response force (SDRF) and police personnel failed to reach the fishermen.

Defence PRO in Jammu  said, “On receipt of request from Divisional commissioner Jammu,  IAF had launched a rescue mission.

He said the mission was led by Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Mukul Khare, with Co-pilot Squadron Leader Prem Pratik and Garud Commandoes Corporal Pahaar Singh and LAC Kedar.

The IAF team reached the site in two  minutes and after making quick assessment of the situation the crew spotted all four civilians who were surrounded by the rising water levels in river Tawi.

During the rescue mission, luck failed two fishermen, as the ladder, lowered by the IAF helicopter snapped and they fell in the gushing stream after losing their balance. The duo swam to safety on their own.

Taking adequate precautions, IAF crew decided to lower a Garud Commando onto the site to help stranded fishermen.

A Garud Commando rappelled down onto the pier. The Garud then attached rappelling harnesses to both of them and then the helicopter lifted them up simultaneously. They were then dropped to a safe location near the Tawi Banks.

The fishermen later thanked IAF personnel for saving their lives. Large number of onlookers and motorists had parked their vehicles in the middle of the road to witness the rescue operations.