Team Herald
CANACONA: Stranded on a coronavirus affected quarantined cruiseliner at Yokohama, Japan, Abhishek Magar, a resident of Karwar, has sought assistance from Indian government to ensure his return back home as soon as possible.
Sources informed that Abhishek, a resident of Canara Bank Colony, working on the Bermuda registered cruise ship “Diamond Princess” with around 3500 people onboard, has been stranded at Yokohama port. The quarantined vessel, which was sailing from China to Tokyo, has around 3500 people on board including 1045 staff.
Earlier this week, Abhishek’s father Balakrishna Magar informed media that his 26-year-old son contacted him via a video call to inform that the ship on which he is working is prevented from entering the Japanese coast.
“Abhishek, is in touch with us every day and looks safe and comfortable. But we are worried about the presence of people on the ship affected by coronavirus,” Balakrishna added.
According to Japanese Health Ministry, the cruise liner has been anchored near Yokohama since February 3, and latest reports suggest that 65 more people on the ship have been reportedly tested positive for coronavirus raising the number of infected passengers and crew to 136.
The new infections include 45 Japanese, 11 Americans, 4 Australians, 3 Filipinos, one each from Ukraine and Canada.
Stating that his son calls them regularly to update them on the latest developments, Balakrishna said, “Today he didn’t call but messaged, we are expecting his call. He had earlier informed us that the ship has 160 Indians and two Goans. However, there are reports that there are more Goans on that ship, which is quarantined till February 19. Unless there are any unforeseen developments, we want to see our son home as early as possible”.
He informed that crew usually share a cabin with one-three roommates, and since they transverse for delivery of meals, it increases their contact with other people.
When contacted Dr Harish Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Uttar Kannada district, who is also the administrative head of the district administration, said he has communicated the matter to the Government of Karnataka.
“I am following up the matter on a daily basis and today morning I spoke with the Chief secretary of Karnataka, he said that the government of Karnataka is in touch with Ministry of External Affairs and it will take some time to get back Abhishek home as in such cases it involves following of Standard Operating Procedures,” Dr Kumar said.
Commissioner for NRI Affairs Adv Narendra Sawaikar said, “We are constantly in touch with Ministry of External Affairs, who in turn is following the matter in Indian Embassy in Japan and effective measures are being taken for safe return of the Goans and other Indian national stranded on quarantined ships.”
