Thirty-three (33) camels drowned in the Arabian Sea from the Gujarat coast. However, the camels saved themselves as they belonged to a rare endangered breed called Kharai. Kharai is the only breed of camel in the world that can swim.
There are many camel herders in the areas of Jamnagar district. These herders own camels, using them for transportation, selling their milk, etc., making them a source of income. Most of the camels in this region belong to the Kharai breed that can swim and while grazing, often goes into the seas to graze on mangroves. Cher trees and other vegetation are found in coastal areas.
One such herder from Singach village of Vadinar district was herding his 33 camels at a nearby seacoast. However, due to heavy rains and high tide, the camels drowned in the Arabian Sea. Most other living beings would have drowned in the sea with strong currents and heavy rainfall. However, these camels, originally from Gujarat's Kutch, are skilled swimmers with a rare skill to swim and float in saline waters. They started swimming with the drift towards Vadinar which falls in the nearby district of Devbhumi Dwarka.
Also Read: Indian camel population in peril, efforts to reverse decline
The onlookers in nearby areas were amazed to see the group of camels swimming early on Monday (7th July) morning. The hereder notified the police. Soon a team of Marine police personnel, local villagers, and many herders reached the Vadinar Jetty.
The camels had to swim a few nautical miles in the process and stay afloat for a long time. They were finally returned to their owner. The police created rescue operations and finally rescued all 33 camels.
In fact, Kharai camels are themselves used during rescue operations. Last month, 7 youths drowned in Dwarka's Gomti river. A local camel handler immediately took his camel into the river and played a vital role in rescuing people even before official rescue help arrived. The Government of India has granted national recognition to the Kharai Camels due to their ecological and cultural significance.
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