Unpredictable weather and unforeseen technical issues have disrupted inter-island vessel services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands this week, affecting the travel plans of hundreds of passengers. Authorities have revised sailing schedules for key passenger ships, citing safety concerns and the need to adjust operations amid rough sea conditions and squally weather.
The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) announced on May 26 that the scheduled departure of the vessel Sindhu for Little Andaman on May 27 at 8 am from Sri Vijaya Puram has been postponed due to technical reasons. Similarly, its return trip from Little Andaman, originally slated for the same night at 9 pm, has also been rescheduled. The vessel will now depart for Little Andaman at 9 pm on May 27 from Haddo Wharf and return to Sri Vijaya Puram at 8 am on May 28.
Passengers have been urged to make necessary adjustments and avail the sailing as per the revised timings. While the announcement did not elaborate on the technical glitch, such rescheduling is not uncommon given the logistical and operational challenges of inter-island shipping in the remote archipelago.
Simultaneously, poor weather conditions have severely impacted operations at Katchal Port. The DSS noted that the movement of vessels Nalanda and Sindhu at the port has become increasingly difficult and unsafe. Citing passenger safety and vessel security as top priorities, DSS temporarily suspended ship calls at Katchal Port until further notice.
This has led to further changes in the voyage schedule of Nalanda, which was set to sail to Campbell Bay on May 27 at 9 am from Sri Vijaya Puram via Nancowry and Katchal. As per the revised itinerary, the vessel will bypass Katchal and sail directly to Campbell Bay via Nancowry. The return voyage on May 29 at 6 am from Campbell Bay will also skip Katchal, and the ship will instead dock at Sri Vijaya Puram via Nancowry at 8 am.
To mitigate the disruption in connectivity for Katchal-bound passengers and cargo, DSS stated that arrangements will be made to facilitate their movement from Nancowry Island. No specific timeline has been offered on when services to Katchal would resume, but officials assured that vessels would begin calling at the port once weather conditions improve and it is deemed safe to do so.
Compounding the logistical hurdles is a fresh weather advisory issued by the Directorate of Disaster Management. According to the release, heavy rainfall ranging from 7 to 11 cm is expected at isolated places across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 27 and 28. Accompanying the rain, squally weather with wind speeds of 35 to 45 km/h has been forecast along and off the coast and over the Andaman Sea.
The sea condition is likely to range from moderate to rough during this period. As a precautionary measure, fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Islands and the Andaman Sea until May 30. The warning highlights the seasonal volatility the islands face during the pre-monsoon and monsoon transition phases, often leading to short-notice travel disruptions.
The combination of mechanical issues with Sindhu and adverse weather impacting Nalanda’s voyage underscores the delicate nature of marine transportation in the archipelago, which relies heavily on inter-island shipping for both passenger and cargo movement. While alternate transport arrangements are being considered, such interruptions are a regular reminder of the geographical and meteorological complexities that define island life in the Andamans.
Authorities have not announced any additional compensatory voyages as of now, but are expected to keep the public informed through further updates depending on how the weather systems evolve over the coming days. Passengers are encouraged to check with local DSS offices for the latest travel schedules and advisories.
As the archipelago braces for more rain and turbulent seas, officials remain cautious, urging both travelers and fishermen to prioritize safety. With unpredictable weather patterns becoming increasingly common, the administration continues to monitor the situation closely, balancing essential connectivity with maritime safety.
