Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 September 2024
Inhabitants of Kamorta, Champin, Hitui, and Munak were left stranded on 26th September 2024 when the only operational ferry, M.V. Barren suffered a breakdown, leaving students, patients, and the general public with no means of transport. The breakdown halted daily activities, renewing calls from the islanders for new, safer ferries to replace the ageing vessels that currently serve the area.
The situation had earlier worsened after the M.V. Galathia, another ferry serving the region, developed technical faults and went out of service on 15th September 2024. With both ferries out of commission, islanders found themselves cut off from essential services and connections.
Students traveling from Kamorta to Champin for school were among the hardest hit. Many were scheduled to sit for exams on the day of the ferry breakdown, leading to heightened stress as they were unable to reach their schools. Similar disruptions were reported among patients and residents traveling between the islands for medical treatment and other essential tasks.
The residents of these remote islands have long demanded the introduction of new, reliable ferries to replace the deteriorating vessels. M.V. Barren and M.V. Galathia are significantly outdated, with locals describing them as “ghost ferries” due to their dilapidated condition. Although they are maintained and operated locally, islanders claim these ferries are not fully safe for commuting. Speaking to Nicobar Times, several residents expressed concerns over the safety of the vessels and stressed the urgent need for replacements to ensure reliable and secure transportation between the islands.
As of the morning of 27th September 2024, repairs to M.V. Barren were reportedly completed, and the ferry was being readied to resume service. However, residents say this is only a temporary fix to a larger, ongoing issue. With both ferries repeatedly breaking down, the transportation system remains unreliable, leaving the islanders’ demand for better connectivity unfulfilled.
Community leaders, including tribal representatives from Kamorta, have repeatedly called on the administration to address the issue, yet their pleas have largely gone unheeded. “We have been asking for years, but nothing has been done,” lamented one local leader. “The government needs to replace these ferries now, not just repair them.”
The aging ferries are a critical part of life for residents of Kamorta, Champin, Hitui, and Munak. For many, they are the only means of transportation between the islands, providing access to schools, medical services, and economic opportunities. Despite the vital role these ferries play, the administration has yet to take substantial action to address the issue.
It remains to be seen whether this latest disruption will finally prompt the Directorate of Shipping to prioritize the islanders’ long standing demands. Residents and tribal leaders alike hope for swift action before further breakdowns risk leaving them isolated once again.