Stranded islanders to be ferried home

KOCHI: Lakshadweep administration has begun the process of evacuating 500 islanders, who are stranded in Kerala, in separate ships over the next few days, said sources. Officials said a ship with 80 islanders will set sail from Kochi on Thursday after obtaining Covid-19 negative results from an ICMR-approved private lab. Most passengers are patients who came to Kochi for treatment with their kin.
"…Lakshadweep administration has decided to transport Lakshadweep patients, who had gone to mainland and were stranded there due to lockdown, along with their escorts, to their respective islands as per previously issued guidelines," said an order issued by the department of port shipping and aviation, Lakshadweep administration on April 28.
As per the order, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Corals and MV Kavaratti will transport stranded islanders, while maintaining social distancing. Officials added that patients would be divided on the basis of their native islands before transportation. "On Thursday, we intend to ferry patients from Kadmat, Amini and Agatti. Their checking process has been completed. Those going to other islands will be evacuated in subsequent days as soon as their negative reports are received," said the source in Kochi.
He said social distancing will be followed during the journey. "Ships have a seating capacity of 300 and we are taking around 80 persons per ship. On Thursday, we are expecting to send up to 85 persons," said the source, adding that proper sanitisation and the use of mask would be ensured.
The order stated that no mainland-island movement will be allowed once transportation of stranded islanders is complete. The final ship will ferry stranded islanders from Minicoy Island and it will reach Lakshadweep on May 4. Lakshadweep had earlier transported islanders who were stuck at islands back home through special inter-island services. The last passenger ship from mainland had reached Lakshadweep on March 25. However, cargo vessels are continuing service.