They are also photographers who give you an instant photograph for a nominal fee on the shores of Velankanni. But they always keep an eye on strong currents of Bay of Bengal and unwary people who get trapped.
Members of the ‘Kadal Matha Photographers Association’ and ‘Annai Nadamadum Nizharpadam Eduppor Sangam’ roam around the shores of this internationally renowned pilgrim centre, only to rush to the safety of the needy.
A. Vinodh, one of the members of the rescue team, says that he has so far rescued 20 persons who were trapped by the strong currents. “There has been a growing awareness among the visitors thanks to the warning boards set up on the shores by the authorities of the Basilica,” he says.
He goes down the memory lane to narrate how the team has rescued 16 members of a family from north India.
“We advise victims to get hold of a piece of wood which we carry while rescuing them.”
Gripped with fear and anxiety, many victims try to get hold of the rescue team members.
“This causes more anxiety to us and we politely advise them to catch hold of only the piece of wood.”
His brother A. Karthikeyan says that the team is happy to do the service.
