EMBARGO : NOT TO BE USED/RELEASED/PUBLISHED UNTIL 0001 HRS ON 26 JAN 2015 Vishnu P Unni, Sea I RC III joined the Indian Navy on 29 Jul 10 and was borne onboard INS Sharda since 12 Jan 12. At about 1314 hr on 03 Oct 14, while he was travelling over the Venduruthy-Vikrant Bridge towards Thevara near Naval Base Kochi on a motorcycle, he noticed a lady jump from the bridge along with her infant into sea. As per the eye-witness account of Arun Krishnan, LRO (TAC), 216488 W, who was accompanying Vishnu Unni Sea I RC III, the latter on noticing the incident instantaneously handed over his Armed Forces Identity Card and shirt to Arun Krishnan LRO (TAC) and jumped from the bridge to rescue the lady and the infant. Meanwhile, Arun Krishnan LRO (TAC) called up the duty staff of INS Sharda for additional help, as a result of which, two Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) were immediately deployed to the incident spot. At the time of the incident, the conditions in the channel were of severe ebb stream, making it extremely challenging even for a strong swimmer to swim to safety, let alone rescue two other persons. After courageously jumping from the bridge, Vishnu Unni Sea I RC II was seen using extraordinary physical strength to carry out the rescue. The situation was further complicated by the un-cooperative efforts of the lady who did not seem to welcome any help and lost the will to live. The Sailor, despite the lady's resistance held her by the arm and rendered help till the infant and the mother were picked up by the CISF boat that had reached the spot. Vishnu Unni Sea I RC II, displaying total disregard for his own safety battled the tidal forces, floating weeds and the desperate mother whilst remaining focussed on his ultimate aim of rescuing the duo. In so doing, while his noble mission was accomplished, he was probably at the end of physical endurance and seen striving to remain afloat. He had no strength left to grab the lifebuoy thrown at him by the crew of FIC T 404 which had been marshalled to the spot. The crew of FIC T 404 witnessed the soul-stirring sight of the sailor which prompted one crew of the FIC to jump into sea to rescue the brave Vishnu Unni Sea I RC III. However, the sailor was lost and not to be found till date. Vishnu Unni Sea I RC III displayed rare courage, fortitude, swiftness of action and uncommon bravery in the face of mortal danger, acting well beyond the call of duty and was instrumental in the successful rescue of the lady and the infant in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Navy. In recognition of his exceptional gallant act wherein the brave sailor continues to remain missing till to-date but successfully saved two lives under extremely challenging conditions, the sailor has been awarded Nausena Medal (Gallantry) (Posthumous).
