Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 10 October 2023
In a swift and well-coordinated effort, the Port Management Board (PMB) and the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) successfully restored the Berthing at Yeratta Jetty, which had tilted approximately 20 centimetres toward the sea. The unsafe condition of the jetty had prompted authorities to suspend vessel operations, ensuring the safety of passengers and vessels.
The decision to suspend operations was not taken lightly, as it was essential to prevent any untoward incidents. However, to ensure the continued supply of essential commodities and facilitate the movement of people, daily vessels to Long Island from Nimbutala and Port Blair were initiated by DSS.
Recognising the difficulties faced by school children, patients, and others due to the suspension of ferry services, PMB and DSS jointly decided to position a pontoon at Yeratta Jetty to enable the resumption of ferry operations. On October 4, PMB handed over one pontoon to DSS. The operation took into account factors such as High Water Tide, Currents, and the availability of Tugs and Mooring Boats to safely transport the pontoon to Yeratta Jetty.
The joint operation by PMB and DSS, proceeded smoothly under the supervision of the CPA (Chief Port Administrator), PMB, and with guidance from the Secretary (Shipping). After meticulous planning and execution, the pontoon was successfully positioned at Yeratta Jetty on October 6, 2023, and ferry services have since resumed.