Praises pour in for Odia girl for saving lives of missile-hit ship crew

In a remarkable display of courage and commitment, 29-year-old Odia girl Ananya Dalabehera, who works as a surgeon commander with the Indian Army, saved the lives of three crew members onboard Bulk Carrier MV True Confidence, which was hit by a missile in the Gulf of Aden on March 6. 

For her feat, she has been receiving appreciation from different parts of the country. 

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After coming to know about the missile attack, the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata swung into action and rushed to their rescue. There was an Indian among the 21 crew members. The attack caused huge damage to the ship, killing one and leaving other crew members severely injured. 

On reaching, the team of INS Kolkata started the rescue operation. The team had only one doctor and she was Ananya. Putting her life in harm’s way, she treated the injured crew members all throughout the night. Of the injured ones, three were in a critical state. Ananya went out of her way to save their lives. 

Ananya is a native of Baripada town in Mayurbhanj and her father is Manoj Dalabehera, a litterateur. 

Expressing his happiness for what his daughter did, Manoj said, “While speaking to me over the phone, she said her act gave her immense satisfaction. She was alone in the team. There was no senior to seek advice. She had to think on her feet and act swiftly. We feel happy but at the same time we are in fear and apprehension as her work involves risk.”

“She has been very brave since her childhood days and is fond of adventures. This is perhaps why she has opted for Armed Forces Medical College,” he added.