John Wilbert & Saurabh Singh
Port Blair, Jul 12: Nearly 350 passengers of MV Chowra witnessed nightmarish journey inside MV Chowra for nearly three days (from 9 July to 12 July) due to alleged engine breakdowns and adverse weather conditions.
According to reports, MV Chowra owned by the Directorate of Shipping Services and managed by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), sailed for Nicobar District for Campbell Bay via Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Chowra, Teressa, Katchal and Nancowry on 09.07.2022 (Sat) at 0800 Hrs from Haddo Wharf.
Sources told Andaman Sheekha that one engine reportedly suffered a breakdown at 10 Degree Channel and ship speed was reduced from 09 nautical miles to 03 nautical miles on the morning of 10th July 2022 near Car Nicobar Island.
The ship tried to berth at Car Nicobar but due to inclement weather and considering the safety of the passengers the captain and crew members of the ship decided to keep the ship in anchorage close to Car Nicobar.
It was learned that after a long struggle the ship crew repaired the engines and on the morning of 12th July 2022 the ship berthed at the Car Nicobar.
It was reported that during this time the passengers experienced a miserable time inside the ship due to rough sea conditions and also due to shortage of various commodities inside the ship. After reaching Car Nicobar the passengers breathed a sigh of relief.
It is learnt that at Car Nicobar, the ship crew carried out further repair works inside the ship.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, worried relatives of stranded passengers questioned the MMD through the media for allowing the ship to sail, when the ship is in such bad shape.
There are many who questioned the decision of sending such an old ship to Nicobar District, despite known about the inclement weather conditions.
Andaman Sheekha tried to contact officials of Directorate of Shipping Services to know complete details in this regard but no one was willing to comment anything on record.
