Navy rescues Odisha family stranded in Havelock islands

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Port Blair, Dec 10:

Indian Navy has successfully rescued a family from Odisha among other tourists who were stranded in Havelock and Neil islands following bad weather.

According to reports, Rourkela’s Debesh Purohit and his family were stuck in the islands since past four days. They have been rescued and shifted to Port Blair following a rescue mission by Indian Navy.

According to the Andaman and Nicobar island administration, all 2,376 tourists including seven foreigners stranded in Havelock and Neil islands under Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been successfully rescued.

A joint operation by Indian Navy and Indian Air Force was carried out in the past two days for the evacuation. Overall, a fleet of seven ships and six helicopters were deployed for the rescue mission.

Heavy rainfall and cyclonic storm had led to flooding in the islands since December 5. Communication and emergency services had also been disrupted following which the Andaman and Nicobar island administration pressed IAF, Indian Navy and Coast Guard into evacuation efforts.

Located about 40 kilometres off Port Blair, Havelock Island is the largest chain of islands and is a famous tourist destination.