THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Saying that the seafarers have contributed positively to the economic growth and foreign
exchange earnings of the State, Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat on Monday said it is
the duty of the Government to take proactive steps and reach out to them with all help in these
testing times.
Demanding that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant should take note of this serious situation and act
accordingly, Kamat further said it is the duty of State government to give proper information to
the families about the whereabouts of the seafarers with details such as the present location of
their respective ships.
“There are shocking reports of Goan seafarers stranded on the ship being at the mercy of God by
their employers after the outbreak of coronavirus. They're neither allowed to disembark nor
provided with medical help and other facilities. Many countries are not allowing the ships to
dock in their ports,” Kamat said.
He said the families of these stranded Goan seafarers have approached him expressing concerns
about the fate of their loved ones. “I have spoken to Union Ayush Minister Shripad Naik and
asked him to take up the issue with the PM during the cabinet meeting to be held today. I have
also urged NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar to immediately take steps to ensure safety of
these seafarers by taking up the issue with the Ministry of External Affairs,” he said.
