Udupi: In a near-miraculous survival, a man who accidentally fell into a well and remained trapped for three days was rescued alive at Kambalakatte in Adi Udupi.

The man has been identified as Srinivasa Acharya, aged around 62, a resident of Kambalakatte. He reportedly survived in a 20-foot-deep well filled with water for three days before being rescued.

According to sources, Srinivasa Acharya, who lives alone, had suffered from health issues about two months ago but had recovered.

On Saturday evening, he was trying to pull up a rope tied to the football pipe of the pump in the well located in front of his house. The well is around 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep. As garbage had fallen into the well, water was not being pumped properly.

During the attempt, the rope snapped, causing him to lose balance and fall into the well.

Though he was submerged in the water, he managed to stay alive by holding on to the football pipe and the rope inside the well. He kept shouting for help, but his cries could not be heard outside.

Gas cylinder delay led to the rescue

The incident came to light due to a delayed gas cylinder delivery.

Srinivasa had earlier borrowed a gas cylinder from an acquaintance, Ganesh, as his own booked cylinder had not arrived on time.

Later, when Ganesh needed the cylinder back, he called Srinivasa, who told him that his booked cylinder had still not been delivered and that he would return it once it arrived.

After three to four days, Ganesh contacted the gas agency and requested them to deliver a cylinder to Srinivasa’s house at the earliest.

When gas agency staff visited the house, they informed Ganesh that Srinivasa had not been seen at home for the past two days.

Growing suspicious, Ganesh contacted tenants staying in his rented house located about 90 metres from Srinivasa’s residence and asked them to check on him.

After searching around the house, they looked into the well on suspicion and found Srinivasa inside, exhausted and holding on to the rope and the football pipe after being trapped for three days.

Local residents immediately placed a ladder into the well and asked him to climb up. However, as he was too weak after staying without food for three days, he was unable to come out on his own.

The fire and emergency services were then informed.

Fire personnel carry out rescue

On receiving the information, leading firefighters Satish, Ashwin Sanil, driver Bharat N., and firefighters Ganesh Vetal and Mahantesh rushed to the spot.

With the help of local residents, the fire personnel entered the well and brought Srinivasa Acharya out safely.

He was first admitted to a private hospital and later shifted to the district hospital for further treatment.

Officials said Srinivasa has recovered and is expected to return home on Monday.