The shipping schedule in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been revised as a precautionary measure following a weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) has postponed the scheduled sailing of vessel Nalanda, which was to depart on September 2 for Campbell Bay via Nancowry and Katchal. Her return voyage from Campbell Bay, originally slated for September 4, has also been rescheduled.
According to the updated plan, Nalanda will now leave Haddo Wharf on September 4 at 0900 hrs for Campbell Bay through the same route and return on September 6 at 0600 hrs. The DSS has cautioned that, depending on weather developments, inter-island and foreshore sector services may be suspended or cancelled at short notice. Harbour and vehicle ferry services between Chatham, Bambooflat, Dundas Point, Hopetown, Phoenix Bay and other outstations are also likely to face disruptions.
Meanwhile, the vessel MV Swaraj Dweep is scheduled to sail from Sri Vijaya Puram to Kolkata via Mayabunder on September 3 at 0800 hrs. Excess baggage will be accepted a day earlier on September 2, between 1400 hrs and 1600 hrs, at the Commercial Wing of DSS. Passengers have been advised to report for embarkation between 0600 hrs and 0700 hrs on the day of sailing. Embarkation will close one hour before departure, and late arrivals will not be accommodated.
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms with gusty winds across parts of the islands. Winds of 40-50 kmph are expected on September 2, followed by gusts of 30-40 kmph on September 3 and 4. Squally weather with surface winds reaching up to 55 kmph is also predicted over the Andaman Sea, accompanied by rough sea conditions. In view of this, fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Andaman Sea and islands till September 2.
The warnings highlight the vulnerability of inter-island and mainland shipping operations to rapidly changing weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal. The authorities have stressed the importance of adhering to advisories to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and local communities dependent on marine transport.
