Charity Trust Equips Rescue Diver Eshwar Malpe with Underwater Communication Device

Udupi, March 10, 2026: In recognition of his years of courageous service in rescue and recovery operations, volunteer diver Eshwar Malpe received a major technological boost when an underwater communication device valued at around ₹7 lakh was donated to support his lifesaving work along the Karnataka coast.

The equipment was handed over during a programme held at St. Anne Church on Sunday evening. The device was donated by the Michael D’Souza Charitable Trust in the presence of church leaders, trust members and local community representatives.

Handing over the equipment, parish priest Fr. Denis D’Sa said that responding to people in distress is a profound act of humanity and one that reflects the Gospel spirit of service. Those who stand beside grieving families in their most difficult moments, he noted, are carrying out God’s work and deserve encouragement and support.

Fr. D’Sa highlighted Malpe’s remarkable service over the years in rescuing victims and recovering bodies from rivers, wells and the sea across various parts of the state. Often working with limited resources, the diver had placed his own life at risk during numerous operations, he said. Recognising this dedication, philanthropist Michael D’Souza decided to donate the specialised underwater communication system to enhance the safety and efficiency of rescue missions.

The device enables divers to remain in direct contact with their support team on the surface through a wired communication link, improving coordination and reducing risks during complex underwater operations. Fr. D’Sa expressed hope that the new equipment would help Malpe and his team carry out their missions more safely and assist in saving many more lives.

Malpe, a fisherman-turned-rescue diver from the coastal town of Malpe in Udupi district, explained that the inability to communicate underwater has long been one of the biggest challenges for divers. Retrieval operations often require descents of up to 30 or 40 feet.

“Until now we relied mainly on rope signals to communicate with the team above. There were times when my life was also in danger because we could not communicate properly,” he said, noting that the new system would significantly improve safety during search and recovery missions.

Over the years, Malpe has become widely known across coastal Karnataka for responding to distress calls during drowning incidents, boat accidents and flood emergencies. His volunteer team frequently assists police and local authorities in search operations, often working for long hours in murky waters with minimal protective equipment.

Despite the dangers, Malpe emphasised that his team responds to every call without hesitation. “We never look at caste or religion when someone needs help. Our first priority is to save the person,” he said, adding that the prayers and blessings of the public have often helped them return safely from risky dives.

He also expressed gratitude to Michael D’Souza for the generous gesture and thanked Daijiworld TV for inviting him to its programme The Common Man Show, through which the philanthropist first came to know about his work and decided to extend support.

Speaking on behalf of the charitable trust, member Oswald Rodrigues described the initiative as a meaningful way of supporting a person who risks his life for the sake of others. He said the trust learned about Malpe’s humanitarian service through social media and YouTube videos highlighting his rescue missions.

Following this, trust members Oswald Rodrigues and Steven Pinto, along with Fr. Denis D’Sa, visited Malpe’s home to better understand his situation. During the visit they realised that an underwater communication device was an urgent need for his rescue work and arranged the assistance without delay. Michael D’Souza has also assured support for constructing a new house for Malpe in the future.

Among those present at the programme were Fr. Alwyn Sequeira, convent superior Sr. Sushma, parish pastoral council secretary Laveena Fernandes, coordinator of the parish commissions Shanthi Fernandes, Women’s Association president Priya Rodrigues, and members of Malpe’s rescue team.

For the diver who has spent years searching beneath dark waters for strangers in distress, the new equipment promises safer missions and renewed hope for the many families who depend on his courage and dedication.

By Catholic Connect Reporter