Port Blair, Feb. 21: The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has sought immediate assistance for the Port Blair bound passengers who are stranded at Vizag Port due to unexpected repair works in MV Nicobar.

The MP in his letter to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration explained that that the Ship MV Nicobar, which sailed for Port Blair from Vishakhapatnam on 18th Feb 2013 developed major engine defect and got stranded amid sea after sailing for about 7 hours. The Ship left for Port Blair at 3 PM and both the Engines developed major problem at 10 pm on 18th Feb. The ship was reportedly amid sea for about 2 days before sailing back to Vishakhapatnam yesterday at 10 PM after minor repair of an engine. The ship MV Nicobar reached Vizag port at about 10 AM today morning.

Bishnu further explained that there are around 700 passengers on board who hail from economically weak strata and are in crisis. These people had undertaken their onward journey with limited or no money in hand. Now if they are left stranded at Vishakhapatnam they are sure to face acute hardship without water, food and shelter. Some of these passengers are patients and require immediate medical assistance, he said.  

“In this hour of crisis, the A & N Administration must extend all possible assistance to all the passengers. The Administration may request for cooperation and assistance of Vishakhapatnam Port Trust and the Andhra Pradesh Government in extending basic needs to the stranded passengers”, requested the MP.

Assuring the Chief Secretary that the matter will be put forward before the Shipping Ministry, Bishnu requested the CS that the Administration should also take steps to make immediate or alternate ship arrangement to help passengers travel back to Port Blair at the earliest.