Team Herald
PANJIM: With no signs of disembarkment of Goan seafarers onboard Karnika and Angriya, Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat on Wednesday met Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik seeking his intervention to evacuate these sailors at the earliest.
Kamat along with president of Goa Seamen Association of India Dixon Vaz met Governor at his official residence, demanding also that the seafarers should be provided with free quarantine facilities.
Over a fortnight after 60 seafarers onboard Marella Discovery disembarked at Mumbai port following DG Shipping clearance, the ordeal for the seafarers on Karnika and Angriya continues as there was no sign of them signing off till date. There are around 93 sailors on Karnika, while another 23 on Angriya.
Speaking to media persons after meeting the Governor, Kamat said the issue of disembarkment of seafarers, who are stranded on two vessels in Mumbai, was taken up with the Governor. “We need to have clarity as what has led to the delay of these seafarers signing-off. Goa government says they are ready with all the facilities to take care of these seafarers. Then what is the issue,” he asked.
“Is it the issue with DG Shipping? If so, then Centre needs to intervene,” former CM said.
Kamat said that Governor has assured to take up the matter with Centre and resolve the issue at the earliest. Further, Kamat demanded that Government should provide free quarantine facility to the seafarers like other Goans. “CM is on record to state that all the Goans coming to the State would be provided free quarantine facility. The same yardstick should be applicable to the seafarers, who are also Goans,” he said.
Dixon Vaz, President of Goa Seamen Association of India said the government should allow special charter flights to land in the State so that the seafarers stranded in international waters can come back.
