At Simitri, we place people who inspire us and are in line with what we believe under the Simitri Spotlight. This month, we turn our attention to extraordinary figures whose recent actions during a critical rescue operation in India have captured global attention and admiration, demonstrating the essence of heroic leadership and the power of effective teamwork.
Triggered by a devastating flash flood in the Himalayan region, a section of the Silkyara tunnel caved in while under construction, trapping not 10, not 20, but 41 workers in a partially constructed tunnel for more than a fortnight.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, with a large number of government agencies and experts from various disciplines involved, including the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force, Uttarakhand Police, engineers from the Indian Army Corps of Engineers, and numerous private resources were utilised as well, including Australian tunnelling experts Arnold Dix and Chris Cooper.
Known for not only technical expertise but a leadership style marked by the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, Cooper’s primary responsibility was to coordinate the logistical and operational aspects of the rescue effort. Cooper worked closely with Dix to assess the situation and develop a comprehensive rescue plan. This plan involved not only the immediate safe extraction of the trapped workers but also ensuring the safety of the rescue teams operating in such hazardous conditions.
Dix's role extended beyond coordination – he was deeply involved in the hands-on aspects of the rescue, being onsite in the “extremely dangerous environment” the whole time, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience. His willingness to step into the heart of the danger zone not only inspired confidence among the rescue team but also underscored the principle that true leaders lead by example.
“When Dix “got the call to come from the (India) government, it wasn’t like, oh, let’s discuss anything”, he said.
“It was like, okay, I’ll be there as soon as I can.””
One of the most striking aspects of Dix's involvement was, that he had never conducted a rescue! However, his profound ability to galvanise a diverse team of rescuers, including geologists, engineers, and disaster response units, to form a cohesive unit despite the multiple communities and political affiliations involved was critical to the success.
This level of collaboration was crucial in navigating the complex and perilous conditions within the tunnel, highlighting how effective team dynamics can mean a world of difference between success and failure. Ultimately, Cooper’s expertise in disaster response and management, combined with his calm ability to manage large-scale operations under pressure, complemented Dix’s technical knowledge and hands-on approach. Moreover, their leadership was characterised by clear communication and decisive action, having a reassuring effect on the entire team, keeping morale high and the team’s efforts synchronised, leading to the eventual successful extraction of the trapped workers.
As we move forward into the latter half of 2024, let’s keep the spirit of collaborative leadership alive in our own teams and organisations.
““We showed the world that good people working together can do the impossible.””