John Wilbert. & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 28: In a heartwarming act of compassion, a group of four Sri Lankan fishermen finally embarked on their journey back to Sri Lanka on 25 May, 2023, after a prolonged six-month wait. The fishermen’s boat had been repaired by the dedicated team at the Nancowry Police Station, who worked tirelessly to ensure all necessary formalities were completed.
The ordeal began on 28th November 2022 when the Indian Coast Guard Team rescued the four fishermen from a drifting Sri Lankan Fishing Trawler in the treacherous waters of the Andaman Sea. The fishing boat had ventured from Sri Lankan shores in early October 2022, only to encounter a technical malfunction while in the middle of the sea, leaving them stranded and at the mercy of the currents.
The Nancowry Police Team extended their helping hand and provided the Sri Lankan fishermen with shelter at the Nancowry Jetty. Over the past six months, the police team went above and beyond by ensuring they were provided with food, drinking water, and clothing.
Efforts were made to inform the Sri Lankan Embassy about the situation, urging them to facilitate the fishermen’s return. However, despite repeated requests from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, no response was received from the Sri Lankan Embassy, leaving the fishermen in a state of limbo.
With no assistance forthcoming, the Police Department turned to the Andaman Nicobar Command, appealing for their intervention. However, even the ANC command remained silent on the matter, leaving the fishermen in dire straits.
It was not until February 2023, after an extensive period of neglect, that Sub Inspector Mohan Rao of the Nancowry Police Team stepped forward under humanitarian grounds. Together with his dedicated team, he initiated arrangements to procure the necessary spare parts from Port Blair and Kolkata. Local technicians lent their expertise, and after meticulous repairs throughout the first week of May 2023, the fishing boat was successfully restored to seaworthy condition.
The police team then proceeded with the essential formalities to obtain permission for the fishermen to sail back to their homeland. Finally, in the last week of May, they received the long-awaited permission to set sail. On 25 May 2023, amidst a mix of emotions, the Sri Lankan fishermen bid farewell to the shores of the Andaman Islands, embarking on their journey back to Sri Lanka in their repaired fishing boat.
This is a remarkable story where the highest level of resilience and compassion is displayed by the Nancowry Police Team, who, despite numerous obstacles, ensured that these stranded fishermen could finally return home safely.
