Team Herald
vasco: Calling the return of over 400 Goan seafarers from Italy as ‘good news’, Dixon Vaz, the founder president of Goa Seamens Association of India (GSAI) said that member of the local Goan seafarer community had come to the airport to show their support and welcome their fellow colleagues, while maintaining the norms of social distancing.
While explaining to media how the seafarers were brought back and what happened since they arrived, Dixon Vaz said it was better late than never, that the seafarers have finally reached Goa.
“We are happy to see them in Goa directly as this was our main demand to get our Goan seafarers to Goa so as to avoid any cross contamination via transit in hot spot cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Costa, MSC and other companies are trying to send the crew home and we are thankful to such companies who are trying to bring back our Goan seafarers” Dixon added.
He also stated that from Brazil, two charter flights have been booked and have got permission to fly back on May 28 and 29.
“Costa, MSC and other companies are trying to send the crew home and we are thankful to such companies who are trying to bring back our Goan seafarers.
He further revealed that a number of ships have already left to India and will be arriving in the country and in Goa shortly. These include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess amongst other ships.
Vaz further stated that Air India’s Vande Bharat mission is not proving to be helpful to seafarers due to capacity issues on those flights.
