CHENNAI: As the Andaman and Nicobar Islands grapple with COVID-19, the weekly passenger ships MV Nicobar and MV Nancowry have suspended their services between the islands and Chennai port. This has also resulted in a shortage of testing kits.
Director of Shipping Services of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Chief Port Administrator Captain Ashutosh Pandey said services have been suspended as the islands are under lockdown.
“It is facing a grave shortage of testing kits. We have informed the government about the situation,” Pandey said, adding there was a shortage of essentials as well.
Iniltially, passenger services between Nicobar Islands and Chennai resumed on May. Later, it was stopped after 54 crew members of MV Nancowry tested positive in July. On the resumption of passenger services, Pandey said once the situation is under control, usual services will resume.
A Chennai Port official said for the last 10 days, no vessel from the islands has arrived.
Captain Saravanan, who is part of a ferry service in the islands, said the situation is getting worse with services of most vessels having been hit.