T Shiva Raj
Campbell Bay, 19 December 2024
A foreign yacht has taken shelter in Campbell Bay Harbour and is awaiting repairs after its propellors was jammed due to entanglement with stray fishing nets and other marine debris.
The yacht, currently anchored at Campbell Bay Harbour, was reportedly traveling to a foreign destination and was not destined for any location in A & N Islands or other parts of India.
The yacht has two foreign nationals onboard and is awaiting assistance to free its propellors from the marine debris.
A local shipping agent is reportedly assisting the yacht’s occupants with the supplies they need and is arranging for necessary repairs to allow the yacht to operate again.
After the propellors became jammed, the yacht sailed to Campbell Bay Harbour using its wind sail.
Other than the issue with the jammed propellors, the yacht is reportedly in perfect condition.
Nicobar Times had previously published reports in 2023 advocating for the development of facilities to facilitate yacht repairs in Campbell Bay. In 2022 and 2023, several yachts in distress called on Campbell Bay Port, seeking assistance with repairs due to mechanical issues and bad weather.
If the necessary permissions are granted for creating repair and replenishment facilities for foreign yachts in Great Nicobar, it could boost the island’s economy. The geographical location of Great Nicobar is such that more yachts will likely stop at the island to get supplies and undertake repairs.
A major shipping lane passes just south of Great Nicobar Island, used by thousands of yachts each year. This shipping lane could be a boon for Great Nicobar, attracting more yachts to the island.
What would be even more beneficial is if the government allows these yachts to explore Great Nicobar Island by providing immigration and customs services. This would allow yachts to explore not only Great Nicobar but also other islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that the government explicitly permits.