Ex-gratia relief sanctioned by Raj Niwas
Port Blair, May 31: Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, Lt. Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has deeply mourned the untimely demise of eleven persons in an unprecedented tragedy on 28 May 2012. Local non-mechanised boat carrying 15 persons capsized in the high seas during inclement weather conditions.
They were going for the picnic through creek to Kurmachad at 0800 hrs. Kurmachad is near the mouth of the creek. Generally the creek area is safe but due to extremely rough weather the accident occurred. At around 1100 hrs boat capsized and all the 15 people fell into the sea. Four people swam across and could reach the shore safely.
A boy who survived reached the main habitation and informed others. Then the people intimated the accident at Police Outpost, Kishorinagar at around 1915 hrs. The rescue team was immediately sent. Search and rescue team under SHO, Kalighat went to the place of the accident in RIB boat. They ventured into the sea and conducted the search and rescue operation. The Andaman Police with concerted effort was able to recover 10 bodies which were buried on 30th May.
The Lt. Governor has also sanctioned one lakh rupees each to the next of kin of the deceased.
