Merchant Navy sailor Vaibhav Mhatre rescues a spectacled cobra trapped in a garden net in Nhava Village | File Photo
Navi Mumbai: A Navi Mumbai based Merchant Navy sailor returning home after months at sea was greeted by an unexpected visitor—an Indian spectacled cobra trapped in a garden net.
Vaibhav Mhatre, a resident of Nhava Village in Navi Mumbai, has been serving in the Merchant Navy since 2014. Nine months ago, he embarked on a voyage from Georgetown, Guyana. After completing his contract, he signed off in Singapore and returned home on March 1, 2025.
The very next morning, his mother woke him up with startling news: “A guest has come to see you.” To his surprise, the ‘guest’ was a venomous spectacled cobra, ensnared in the netting around their plants.
Mhatre, who is also a snake rescuer, acted swiftly. “I have been rescuing snakes since the year 2014 therefore I am well versed with the process and I am even aware about the way snakes behave. Snakes usually don’t chase you unless they feel threatened,” said Mhatre.
With the assistance of his mother and grandmother, he carefully freed the snake using a knife and scissors. Once the cobra was released, “the snake had suffered some injuries around his mouth. I poured water over its head, recognizing that the exhausted reptile might be dehydrated. Yes, snakes do drink water. I caught hold of the reptile from his head and placed him inside a water can . I ensured that the can was ventilated ” he noted.
Later that afternoon, the cobra was safely released into the forest. “It was a relief to see it unharmed,” Mhatre said. Before slithering away, the snake paused for a few minutes, before disappearing into the wild. He has rescued over 15 cobras and has experience of recusing common Krait- most venomous reptile in Asia.
Reflecting on the incident, Mhatre emphasized the need for environmental conservation. “They are not the guests—we are. Due to deforestation and urbanization, wildlife is losing its habitat and has no choice but to enter human settlements,” he said, urging people to respect and protect nature.
