Dj Venkatesh & N M Haneef
Diglipur, Jan 29: The Chartered vessel MV Coral Queen today reached Mayabunder and Diglipur Ports on its maiden voyage to these two Ports. Arrival of such big ship for the remote Islands brought a great relief for Islanders who were waiting for a better and bigger vessel since a long time, as the Andaman Trunk Road is giving nightmares to them since last nearly three years.
The ship which left Port Blair at 6.30 AM reached Diglipur this evening via Mayabunder. On reaching the ship at Aerial Bay Jetty at Diglipur today evening at 4 PM, the Secretary DARTED, member of Auto owners association, Jeep owners association, members of Shop keepers association, Creek boat owners association welcomed the passengers and greeted the Ship officials and staff at aerial bay jetty by presenting shawls.
Since a long time DARTED, a NGO dedicated for promotion of Tourism in North and Middle Andaman Islands, has been demanding for such bigger ship. DARTED expressed hope that in future the vessel will be routed to Diglipur via Havelock Island for better connectivity of tourists with night sailing.
The passengers and other stake holders expressed hope that the ship will sail continuously for the convenience of the passengers and patients along with Tourists, intending to visit Diglipur.
Andaman Sheekha Correspondent at Mayabunder added that during last visit of Lt. Governor, people of Mayabunder and PRI members had demanding such bigger ships for Mayabunder and the LG had assured, which has become a reality today. People of Mayabuder region has also expressed gratitude to the Lt. Governor for this gift.
The passenger capacity of Coral Queen is 451 and also capable of carrying 100 Tons of cargo in addition to the passengers with cruising speed of 12 knots. The next sailing of the Ship is on 31 January at 7 AM directly to Diglipur and on its return she will sail for Port Blair at 7 PM on same day.
