Shillong Dec 31: Divers of the Indian Navy have found some wooden structure and coal inside the coal pit after they stayed inside the mine for three hours.

Around 15 miners have been trapped inside the coal mine at Khloo Ryngksan in East Jaiñtia Hills district.

“The Under Water Remotely Operated Vehicle (UWROV) found that there are some wooden structure inside and coal was also found lying there,” East Jaiñtia Hills district public relations officer, R. Susngi said.

He said that the visibility was very poor, and only around one feet at the bottom mud was found and one rat hole was also found with coal at its mouth.

The Indian Navy told that when the level of the water comes down the search will be feasible.

“At present, the site was cleared for men of the Odisha fire service to start the pumping of water from the main shaft,” Susngi said.

Other shafts nearby are being prepared to keep the pumps and to be able to operate them.

The operation was jointly carried out by the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel.

Men from the Odisha fire services were also present at the site. The Indian Navy requested the district administration to assist in dewatering  so that it comes down to 30 meters or within safe diving limit so that they will again commence the diving.

The NDRF personnel were available on the site with two teams to provide all support and assistance to other agencies including Indian Navy.