Leader of Opp.osition Digambar Kamat on Thursday urged Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik to intervene in getting back Goan seafarers stranded overseas in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Governor has assured me to take up the issue of stranded seafarers with Prime Minister’s Office and Union Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar to find an early resolution to the crisis,” Kamat tweeted.
In a letter to the Governor, Kamat said that the intervention will supplement the efforts of Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant.
“I would request you to use your office and take up the matter at the highest level to find an early resolution to the crisis. I am confident that you will take necessary steps to help our Goan seafarers who are presently trapped and looking for help from us,” the former chief minister said.
Kamat said there are reports that the stranded seafarers are not allowed to disembark from ships nor provided with medical help or other facilities. “Many countries are not allowing their ships to dock into their ports,” he added.
Kamat said the families of the stranded Goan seafarers had approached him expressing concern about the fate of their loved ones. “They have urged that all these seafarers be brought back to Goa immediately before any unwanted incident takes place,” he added.
The Congress leader said that the seafarers have positively contributed to the economic growth and foreign exchange earning of the State. “It is our duty to take proactive steps and reach out to them with all help during this testing time,” he said.
