Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 27 February 2023
A distressed Norwegian Flag Yacht recently called on Campbell Bay Port while its engine developed some problems. According to sources, the yacht was on its way from Phuket in Thailand to Sri Lanka.
In December 2022, Nicobar Times reported about a USA-flagged distressed yacht that was towed to Campbell Bay Port by Indian Coast Guard after it was found in distress near the Island.
Great Nicobar is located just above the East-West International Shipping route, and every year thousands of ships and yacht passes just south of Great Nicobar while on their way to other destinations.
Every year Campbell Bay Port facilitates safe anchorage for several distressed yachts.
Great Nicobar can easily be turned into a Yacht Paradise with little effort and investment. Govt. needs to facilitate immigration for foreign nationals at Great Nicobar, and a Customs Office must be set up. A small Yacht Marina can be built in Campbell Bay to facilitate the berthing and repair of yachts.
Local residents can be trained in the engine and structural repair of yachts.
It is no brainer that yachts passing from the shipping lane South of Great Nicobar Island will flock to the Island for repair, replenishment and even leisure.
A yacht marina at Great Nicobar or even providing easy permission and clearances to yachts to call on Campbell Bay Port for replenishment will go a long way in increasing the income of the local residents.