Special Correspondent
Chennai, June 17: It has been reported that more than 50 passengers today staged protests on the gangway of MV Nicobar, which sailed from Chennai to Port Blair this evening. According to reports much before the ship could sail, some passengers got annoyed as the ACs in the Bunk Compartments were not working while others were protesting as the canteen staffs were charging excessive rate for meal tokens, that too till 21st June 2013 morning, whereas as per schedule the ship was supposed to reach Andaman by 20th June 2013.
“None of the ACs are working. We requested the crew to atleast switch on the fans but they didn’t as there was electrician onboard,” said an angry passenger.
Crew also reportedly told passengers that the ship will sail with the speed of only 10 knots per hour as the ship has several technical problems.
Angry passengers reportedly sat on the gangway of the ship and demanded AC or Fans in Bunk but the demands were not fulfilled. It has been reported that when the police personnel on duty announced that those who want to get down will be refunded their money, nearly 10 passengers got off the ship.
Sailing with technical faults has become a routine for Mainland Bound ship. It seems that the Administration is waiting for a major disaster at Bay of Bengal, before taking any concrete steps for the safety of passengers.
