The consignment was dispatched by ICG ship ‘Samudra Prahari’ (CG 201), which was on its way from Mumbai to assist relief operations in Chennai.
According to information, Goa ICG officials received word that ICG vessels ‘Samraat’ and ‘Samudra Prahari’ were leaving from Mumbai on Thursday with relief material. Goa ICG Deputy Inspector-General, Manoj Baadkar immediately decided to contribute supplies. Coast guard sailors and officers donated money, which was used to purchase rations for the flood victims.
“We first made arrangements to ensure that one of the two ships halted near Goa’s coast on its way to Chennai. The moment our request was accepted, we decided to approach MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar to see if MPT would like to contribute relief materials. Without wasting time, he agreed to contribute,” said ICG PRO Akshay Jain.
Several cartons of water bottles, milk, biscuits, blankets, medicine and other items were loaded in a feeder boat, which ferried the same to Samudra Prahari at outer anchorage. The relief items were dispatched to Chennai on Friday morning.
“The situation in Chennai is very unfortunate. Although our contribution is small, it will be of some help to the flood victims. Initially, we had decided to contribute money to purchase relief items. However, we had no time as the ship had already left Mumbai and was supposed to leave Goa immediately after calling Goa port. Thus, we decided to use MPT funds to purchase ready-to-use items worth Rs 3 lakh. If more help is required, I am sure our staff will also not hesitate to make monetary contributions,” said Jeyakumar.
