Assam, Jan. 14 -- Navy divers withdrew from the rescue operations as hopes for the survival of the five trapped workers at Umrangso in Assam's Dima Hasao district grew slimmer.

Dewatering efforts entered their ninth day on Tuesday, with specialized machines from ONGC and Coal India continuing the process.

The quarry, which is 340 feet deep, is gradually losing water.

The initial water level of 100 feet has dropped, and by Monday, it receded by another 3 meters, according to an official.

However, officials could not predict when workers would clear the water or when they would resume search operations inside the quarry.

"Since January 7, Navy divers assisted in the rescue, but they withdrew and moved away from the site," another offic...