Vikash Sharma

Berhampur: Stranded for nearly one and half months in a Coronavirus-hit cruise ship off Japan coast, Odia techie Shivasis Nayak finally returned to his hometown Berhampur post 14 days of quarantine period in Delhi.

Speaking to OTV, Nayak said the survival conditions were tough on-board the cruise ship as the number of coronavirus positive cases rose with each passing day.

“Most of us were in a panic as the number of positive cases was constantly increasing. There was a delay of nearly four days in evacuation and those who tested positive were taken to a hospital in Japan for treatment,” said Nayak narrating the ordeal.

Also Read Odisha Techie Among 119 Indians Evacuated From Coronavirus-Hit Quarantined Ship In Japan

The engineer was stranded on the ship ‘Diamond Princess’ along with some 3,700 passengers apart from the crew. The ship was reportedly under quarantine at Yokohama port since 3rd of February. Over 174 people onboard including three Indian nationals tested positive for the deadly COVID-19. Fortunately, Nayak was cleared of coronavirus.

The family members breathed a sigh of relief after Nayak along with 118 Indians and five foreigners were evacuated from the ‘Diamond Princess’ and brought to Delhi from Tokyo in a special Air India flight on February 27. Later, all the evacuees underwent a 14-day quarantine at a medical facility set up by the Indian Army in Manesar, sources said.

Recounting the horror, Nayak said, “We had to survive on fruits and noodles throughout the quarantine period on-board the ship. We had earlier appealed Odisha and Indian government for our evacuation as it was getting tough for all of us.”

Nayak’s family expressed gratitude towards the State and Central government for taking steps for his evacuation from the coronavirus-hit ship in Japan. “My son was stranded in the ship since February 4. We were worried as we were getting information about positive cases rising constantly. However, God answered our prayers after he reached India on February 27. We are happy that he is finally home,” said Nayak’s mother.

Also Read: Odisha Youth Stranded In Coronavirus-hit Iran, Family Seeks Jay Panda’s Intervention

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