Kochi: Young Naval sailor, Vishnu Unni, who jumped into the waters to save the life of a woman and her six-month-old child on October 03 last, has been awarded the Nao Sena medal for gallantry posthumously by the Indian Navy.
A four-member team from the Southern Naval Command visited the family of Vishnu at his native place, Thrithala in Palakkad and personally conveyed the news of the declaration of award by the President to the family members, a Defence press release said.
Unni and his friend were passing the Vendurthy bridge on a motorcycle when they saw a 35-year-old woman throwing her baby daughter in the water and jumping in herself.
Not wasting time, Unni jumped from the bridge and managed to rescue the woman and child. However, he was swept away in the strong current. The baby girl later died at the hospital.
Being an off day, the two young sailors were on their way to watch a film.
Five officers of Southern Naval Command have also been selected for distinguished service awards by the President out of which two are Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and three are Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
