Strong Winds, Undercurrent, Delays Progress of Nautical Aliya

The Flotilla Food for Myanmar, Nautical Aliya, in Andaman Sea.

Andaman Sea,09 Jumadil Awwal 1438/06 February 2017 (MINA) – Due to strong winds and an undercurrent along the Andaman Sea, the Flotilla Food for Myanmar’s Nautical Aliya, carrying aid and volunteers to Myanmar and Bangladesh from Malaysia, is expected to face a one-day delay.

The ship, which is laden with 2,300 tonnes of rice, bottled water, instant noodles, toiletries and more, was initially scheduled to arrive at Yangon port on Wednesday, Feb 8, at around 10.30pm – but the elements have slowed the ship’s progress.

Chief de mission and Kelab Putera 1Malaysia president Datuk Seri Paduka Abdul Azeez Rahim was quoted by nst.com as saying that the delay will not disrupt the mission, as preparations at Yangon port to accept the ship’s cargo load are underway, as overseen by Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said due to the unforeseen weather conditions, the Nautical Aliya is now expected to arrive at Yangon port on Thursday, at 10.30am.

“We are sailing at a speed of 6 to 7 knots, where in normal weather, we would sail at a speed of 8 to 8.5 knots,” he said.

Azeez said the ship is also facing strong winds of 10 knots above deck, which makes it harder to sail faster. “Once we are at Yangon port, we have three hours to unload the goods – including 300 tonnes of rice – which will leave us with seven hours to transfer the aid to the Myanmar government,” he said.

Azeez said they will also engage with the locals to help unload the goods once docked.    (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)