Title.
COURAGEOUS SEAFARERS OF MALIKU
Effjee
The robust and agile Maliku male has a distinct maritime tradition. The most fascinating high light of the Maliku male is that today about 80 per cent of male population is engaged in different shipping companies in India and abroad as Seaman. They are recognized as the finest seamen in world and most of the Maliku people used to be employed by shipping companies just by the drop of their island’s name ‘Maliku’ and generally, employers asked for no further credentials. That is because from time immemorial Maliku people sailed to far of lands in the sailing vessels made by them selves. They are honest to a fault and extremely agile, skillful at sea and very hard working by nature. At present also Maliku people are engaged in various ranks such as Captains, Chief Engineers, and officers /Chief Cooks/Bosons/ ordinary seaman etc in Marchantnavies.
The people of Maliku sailed to many neighboring ports not only in India but also in abroad like Japan, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Colombo, Middle East and even England in the sailing vessels. The vessels ply between Mainland and island were locally called ‘Odi’ and ‘Odam’ in other islands.Most of the vessels were constructed in Minicoy. Every Minicoyan is a very good carpenter, Fisherman, craftsman, mason apart from a seaman. There were about 15 vessels existed till 1960s.
According to wind and current they used to sail from Maliku to distant ports not only in India but also in foreign countries with their traditional products like Coconut fiber, by- products of coconut, Sea Shells, Hikkimas (Dried Tuna Fish), Copra, Jaggery, Vinegar etc. They bring essential commodities like rice, sugar, wheat etc to home through a trading system called ‘Barter system’.
They used to face many dangerous situations during the sudden change of weather conditions and they were forced to sail in search of their destination, against the unfair-weather, some times days together and weeks together. There were occasions they reach the destination by next day or second day also, if the wind and current are favour.
They have experience of passing International Date Line (an imaginary line), the most dangerous high waves in the Bay of Biscay and vast oceans of Atlantic and pacific etc. Our elders used to say that they have witnessed the sinking of bulk carrier ships very nearby while crossing the Bay of Biscay during very bad weather conditions.
Our ancestors were also experienced the days of 2nd World war on their voyage to different ports. They had been witnessed the bombardment during the wartime in the vast ocean. There are occasions the seafarers were used to remain on board ship in warning for abandon of ship in wartime keeping their valuable documents with their hands and used to sleep with life jackets.
Some times they reach to wrong destination also due to bad weather. They have also worked in Steamer ships like ‘Titanic’ in olden days. They reveal the rare experiences of crossing the man made canals like Panama Canal connecting Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean, Suez Canal connecting Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea, Cape of Good Hopes, Gibraltar, the heavy traffic area in English Channel etc. Their life in seafaring is really risky as they are moving to different countries/ports where they have to accustomed to the prevailing weather conditions and have to work with suitable clothing (Warm cloths). Some times it will be very cold and some times very hot. They used to work even minus 10-20 degree weather conditions. The photograph shows the condition and situation of a ship in cold atmosphere. The seafarers are working on board in such condition also. The sea route becomes an ice filed in some oceans near Antarctica and Atlantic and that such cases a ship moves with the help of Ice cutter ships towards the port of their destination. The surface of the sea becomes an ice field (See the picture). There are occasions they experiences hot weather
The only communication between mainland and our islands was the sailing vessels during those days. It is interesting to note that the news about our Independence (India freed from British Rule) came to know only after couple of months, it is told. The fact is that when the sailing vessels reach back to island only, the islanders knew about any fresh news. There are occasions the sailing vessel sinks and capsized due to high waves or storms on their way to destinations. In such cases no body knows about their where about as there were no any communication facilities.
The Minicoy seamen have high reputation in old shipping companies like SCI and other private shipping Agents from time immemorial. Initially, Minicoy seafarers were based in Kolkata and all are registered in Seamen Employment Office, Calcutta. They do have their own accommodation in Kolkatta earlier and later they gradually started shifting their identity in Mumbai. Now all are based in Mumbai where they have own accommodation facilities till date. The unique culture and tradition of Maliku people helped them to live united like a home away from their home at far place like Kolkata and Mumbai.
Most wonderful aspect is that all our forefathers were illiterate, but they do the job in ships with utmost care fullest satisfaction to their bosses on board irrespective of their ranks in ships. They do not know even to sign the job agreement and any document, and they used to put the thump impressions in all documents. But they work very honestly. The devotion to their works makes them more honest and responsible. This peculiar character of Maliku seafarers are recorded in all shipping companies in those days.
Now a days seafaring is encouraged generally in Lakshadweep which was a monopoly of Minicoyates. Islanders are of course acquainted with seafaring and the jobs on board ships. As a result other islanders are also coming forward in this risky field with courage. Also the lack of job opportunities in Lakshadweep forced them to get this risky job.
The seafarers gets engagement in ships through the concerned companies in different types and size of ships like Passenger ships, Cargo ships, Oil Tanker Ships, Containers ships, Cold storage ships, Gas carrier ships, Research ships, Fishing trawlers ships and Dredging ships etc in various capacities and ranks. Many seamen worked in world famous Passenger ships like ‘Queen Elizabeth’ and ‘Queen Marry’ based in London. They are thorough with all works on board ships. They keep the policy of ‘Cleanliness is Godliness’.
It is fact that Lakshadweep Development Corporation Limited (LDCL) has given opportunity to the seafarers of Lakshadweep, especially seafarers from Minicoy to work in all the ships managed by the company. It is also fact that Minicoy crew has a very good reputation in LDCL also because of their dedication and devotion to the works on board ships. They keep the tradition till date.
Even in modern days many Minicoyan seamen were met with accidents on board ships and there were missing incidents of ships. Sea pirate used to hijack the vessels. There are cases the dead bodies of Minicoy seafarers are buried in foreign ports like Japan, America and Middle East countries when they met with accidents on board and caused to death.
There are incidents of missing the vessel and crew even in this most modern era with modern technology for quick communication.
In an incident occurred during 1978, 5 seamen, all are relatives in Aoumagu Village were missing till date. The ship M.V.Araba of Elias Shipping Company Pvt Ltd, Mumbai was reported missing on her way to Karachi, Pakistan from Dubai. It was scheduled for Mumbai from Karachi. All attempts to search and rescue the ship were failed.
List of crewmembers on board ship missed during August 1978.
Another incident was occurred on 5th September 2005 when the vessel Jupiter-6 was bound for India from the port Valvis Bay, Namibia, South Africa. Four Minicoyan seafarers were employed on board Jupiter-6 are till missing. The relatives are still waiting for their loved ones.
MISSING MINICOY CREW IN JUPITER 6
1. Hassan Faikage
Aloodi Village Minicoy
2. Ibrahim E.M, Finifenmaage
Rammedu Vilage MInicoy.
3 Ali Kolugedoru
Boduathiri Village Minicoy
4. Hussain Holidathagorhi
Aoumagu Village Minicoy
A recent incident of missing M.V.Rezzak has been shocked by the people of Minicoy.
The Panamanian flagged Cargo ship M.V.Rezzak with 25 Indian crewmembers, was reported missing in the Black Sea since on 18th February 2008. The vessel was manned by Pelican Marine Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai.The ship was bound for Bartin Limani, Turkey from the port Novorossiysk; Russia. The vessel was carrying Steel Billets in bundles. According to fresh hand reports on that day, ship’s ETA at Bartin Limani Turkey was 18th February 0900.
Out of 25 India crewmembers, 10 seamen are from Maliku (Minicoy), all are youths and not even married. They are:
Most of them had joined the ship in the month of November 2007. According to the information given by the Pelican Marine Pvt Ltd, the ship could not be contacted since February 18th evening and the search and rescue operation was begun. But all efforts to search and rescue the seafarers and ship were in vein.
The report of Main Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Turkey addressed to MRCC,Mumbai says they did not find any materials except a life raft belonging to the ex-ship name“ASEAN ENERGY’ and several life buoys. As per Maritime regulations, all Life saving equipments should be marked with the present name of the vessel and not the ex-shipname. It is learnt that nothing to prove casualties has been traced during the entire search operation during that period. The relatives are till waiting for their loved ones to come back to home.
Shri. B.V.Selvaraj, IAS,Hon’ble Administrator,U.T.of Lakshadweep, has taken up the matter seriously by involving the senior officers of Administration. Senior officers have been deputed to Minicoy during March 2008 for monitoring the actions and situations.He has also ordered to have 24 hours Control Rooms in Deputy Collector’s office and the Port Control Tower, Minicoy. He also conveyed his feelings to the relatives of missing seamen on the tragic incident.
These incidents are not obstructing the enthusiastic talents of young seafarers of Maliku to go for seafaring, as they are well aware of such incidents in their peculiar life style. Many youngsters are waiting for an engagement in different shipping companies based in Mumbai. The works of Maliku seafarers engaged in LDCL also recognized by the company and they are continuing their identity as traditional seaman.
[The photographs to be put in between are attached in next mail to make the article more meaningful/colourful]
There are 9 photographs in total all photos may be put in between the article to make the article colorful please.
Regarding the Mahal article, it is about “Thaaraattu pattu” (the traditional songs used to sing by mother to make the baby asleep) . these are now gone with the wind. We have to preserve it . Please ask Jaffersha to make illustration for the article accordingly. Please get it translated, if necessary to convince the Hon’ble Administrator.
Captions for Photographs.
1. An Oil Tanker M.T.”T.C.Glesner” crossing the Bay of Biscay –Very rough sea.
2. MT.TC Glesner approaching a port in Green Land, nearing North Pole. Mr.M.Ibrahim,Rank Fitter (Minicoyan) posing for a memorial photograph.The sea surface around the ship seen freezed due to –10 degree.
3. 800 passenger liner M.V.Freedom
4. MV. Queen Marry a world famous passenger ship.
5. The missed Bessel with 10 Minicoyans MV Rezzek.
6. The picture shows the details of sails on a sailing vessel.
7. A sailing vessel on her voyage in high sea.
8. Map shows the black sea where the MV Rezzak missed.
Effjee
The robust and agile Maliku male has a distinct maritime tradition. The most fascinating high light of the Maliku male is that today about 80 per cent of male population is engaged in different shipping companies in India and abroad as Seaman. They are recognized as the finest seamen in world and most of the Maliku people used to be employed by shipping companies just by the drop of their island’s name ‘Maliku’ and generally, employers asked for no further credentials. That is because from time immemorial Maliku people sailed to far of lands in the sailing vessels made by them selves. They are honest to a fault and extremely agile, skillful at sea and very hard working by nature. At present also Maliku people are engaged in various ranks such as Captains, Chief Engineers, and officers /Chief Cooks/Bosons/ ordinary seaman etc in Marchantnavies.
The people of Maliku sailed to many neighboring ports not only in India but also in abroad like Japan, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Colombo, Middle East and even England in the sailing vessels. The vessels ply between Mainland and island were locally called ‘Odi’ and ‘Odam’ in other islands.Most of the vessels were constructed in Minicoy. Every Minicoyan is a very good carpenter, Fisherman, craftsman, mason apart from a seaman. There were about 15 vessels existed till 1960s.
According to wind and current they used to sail from Maliku to distant ports not only in India but also in foreign countries with their traditional products like Coconut fiber, by- products of coconut, Sea Shells, Hikkimas (Dried Tuna Fish), Copra, Jaggery, Vinegar etc. They bring essential commodities like rice, sugar, wheat etc to home through a trading system called ‘Barter system’.
They used to face many dangerous situations during the sudden change of weather conditions and they were forced to sail in search of their destination, against the unfair-weather, some times days together and weeks together. There were occasions they reach the destination by next day or second day also, if the wind and current are favour.
They have experience of passing International Date Line (an imaginary line), the most dangerous high waves in the Bay of Biscay and vast oceans of Atlantic and pacific etc. Our elders used to say that they have witnessed the sinking of bulk carrier ships very nearby while crossing the Bay of Biscay during very bad weather conditions.
Our ancestors were also experienced the days of 2nd World war on their voyage to different ports. They had been witnessed the bombardment during the wartime in the vast ocean. There are occasions the seafarers were used to remain on board ship in warning for abandon of ship in wartime keeping their valuable documents with their hands and used to sleep with life jackets.
Some times they reach to wrong destination also due to bad weather. They have also worked in Steamer ships like ‘Titanic’ in olden days. They reveal the rare experiences of crossing the man made canals like Panama Canal connecting Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean, Suez Canal connecting Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea, Cape of Good Hopes, Gibraltar, the heavy traffic area in English Channel etc. Their life in seafaring is really risky as they are moving to different countries/ports where they have to accustomed to the prevailing weather conditions and have to work with suitable clothing (Warm cloths). Some times it will be very cold and some times very hot. They used to work even minus 10-20 degree weather conditions. The photograph shows the condition and situation of a ship in cold atmosphere. The seafarers are working on board in such condition also. The sea route becomes an ice filed in some oceans near Antarctica and Atlantic and that such cases a ship moves with the help of Ice cutter ships towards the port of their destination. The surface of the sea becomes an ice field (See the picture). There are occasions they experiences hot weather
The only communication between mainland and our islands was the sailing vessels during those days. It is interesting to note that the news about our Independence (India freed from British Rule) came to know only after couple of months, it is told. The fact is that when the sailing vessels reach back to island only, the islanders knew about any fresh news. There are occasions the sailing vessel sinks and capsized due to high waves or storms on their way to destinations. In such cases no body knows about their where about as there were no any communication facilities.
The Minicoy seamen have high reputation in old shipping companies like SCI and other private shipping Agents from time immemorial. Initially, Minicoy seafarers were based in Kolkata and all are registered in Seamen Employment Office, Calcutta. They do have their own accommodation in Kolkatta earlier and later they gradually started shifting their identity in Mumbai. Now all are based in Mumbai where they have own accommodation facilities till date. The unique culture and tradition of Maliku people helped them to live united like a home away from their home at far place like Kolkata and Mumbai.
Most wonderful aspect is that all our forefathers were illiterate, but they do the job in ships with utmost care fullest satisfaction to their bosses on board irrespective of their ranks in ships. They do not know even to sign the job agreement and any document, and they used to put the thump impressions in all documents. But they work very honestly. The devotion to their works makes them more honest and responsible. This peculiar character of Maliku seafarers are recorded in all shipping companies in those days.
Now a days seafaring is encouraged generally in Lakshadweep which was a monopoly of Minicoyates. Islanders are of course acquainted with seafaring and the jobs on board ships. As a result other islanders are also coming forward in this risky field with courage. Also the lack of job opportunities in Lakshadweep forced them to get this risky job.
The seafarers gets engagement in ships through the concerned companies in different types and size of ships like Passenger ships, Cargo ships, Oil Tanker Ships, Containers ships, Cold storage ships, Gas carrier ships, Research ships, Fishing trawlers ships and Dredging ships etc in various capacities and ranks. Many seamen worked in world famous Passenger ships like ‘Queen Elizabeth’ and ‘Queen Marry’ based in London. They are thorough with all works on board ships. They keep the policy of ‘Cleanliness is Godliness’.
It is fact that Lakshadweep Development Corporation Limited (LDCL) has given opportunity to the seafarers of Lakshadweep, especially seafarers from Minicoy to work in all the ships managed by the company. It is also fact that Minicoy crew has a very good reputation in LDCL also because of their dedication and devotion to the works on board ships. They keep the tradition till date.
Even in modern days many Minicoyan seamen were met with accidents on board ships and there were missing incidents of ships. Sea pirate used to hijack the vessels. There are cases the dead bodies of Minicoy seafarers are buried in foreign ports like Japan, America and Middle East countries when they met with accidents on board and caused to death.
There are incidents of missing the vessel and crew even in this most modern era with modern technology for quick communication.
In an incident occurred during 1978, 5 seamen, all are relatives in Aoumagu Village were missing till date. The ship M.V.Araba of Elias Shipping Company Pvt Ltd, Mumbai was reported missing on her way to Karachi, Pakistan from Dubai. It was scheduled for Mumbai from Karachi. All attempts to search and rescue the ship were failed.
List of crewmembers on board ship missed during August 1978.
- Moosa Sifage, Aoumagu Village Minicoy.
- Ibrahim Bidharugothi, - do-
- Mohammed Bagavaluge- do-
- Mohammed Nirukunnugothi- do-
- Ibrahim Kudakorigothi- do-
Another incident was occurred on 5th September 2005 when the vessel Jupiter-6 was bound for India from the port Valvis Bay, Namibia, South Africa. Four Minicoyan seafarers were employed on board Jupiter-6 are till missing. The relatives are still waiting for their loved ones.
MISSING MINICOY CREW IN JUPITER 6
1. Hassan Faikage
Aloodi Village Minicoy
2. Ibrahim E.M, Finifenmaage
Rammedu Vilage MInicoy.
3 Ali Kolugedoru
Boduathiri Village Minicoy
4. Hussain Holidathagorhi
Aoumagu Village Minicoy
A recent incident of missing M.V.Rezzak has been shocked by the people of Minicoy.
The Panamanian flagged Cargo ship M.V.Rezzak with 25 Indian crewmembers, was reported missing in the Black Sea since on 18th February 2008. The vessel was manned by Pelican Marine Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai.The ship was bound for Bartin Limani, Turkey from the port Novorossiysk; Russia. The vessel was carrying Steel Billets in bundles. According to fresh hand reports on that day, ship’s ETA at Bartin Limani Turkey was 18th February 0900.
Out of 25 India crewmembers, 10 seamen are from Maliku (Minicoy), all are youths and not even married. They are:
- Shri Akeelul Rehman Shakeel- 24
- Shri. Shavanas Dandahilugothi-25
- Farooque Lombomauge-22
- Shri.Sajid Hajikagothi-28
- Shri Asif Donkage Kudage- 27
- Shri Sameerudheen - 22
- Shri Hussain Mavadigothi-26
- Shri Mohammed Kundiganduge-27
- Shri.Mohammed Kouhajige Athirige-28
- Shri Hussain,Muthege Bidharuge-28
Most of them had joined the ship in the month of November 2007. According to the information given by the Pelican Marine Pvt Ltd, the ship could not be contacted since February 18th evening and the search and rescue operation was begun. But all efforts to search and rescue the seafarers and ship were in vein.
The report of Main Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Turkey addressed to MRCC,Mumbai says they did not find any materials except a life raft belonging to the ex-ship name“ASEAN ENERGY’ and several life buoys. As per Maritime regulations, all Life saving equipments should be marked with the present name of the vessel and not the ex-shipname. It is learnt that nothing to prove casualties has been traced during the entire search operation during that period. The relatives are till waiting for their loved ones to come back to home.
Shri. B.V.Selvaraj, IAS,Hon’ble Administrator,U.T.of Lakshadweep, has taken up the matter seriously by involving the senior officers of Administration. Senior officers have been deputed to Minicoy during March 2008 for monitoring the actions and situations.He has also ordered to have 24 hours Control Rooms in Deputy Collector’s office and the Port Control Tower, Minicoy. He also conveyed his feelings to the relatives of missing seamen on the tragic incident.
These incidents are not obstructing the enthusiastic talents of young seafarers of Maliku to go for seafaring, as they are well aware of such incidents in their peculiar life style. Many youngsters are waiting for an engagement in different shipping companies based in Mumbai. The works of Maliku seafarers engaged in LDCL also recognized by the company and they are continuing their identity as traditional seaman.
[The photographs to be put in between are attached in next mail to make the article more meaningful/colourful]
There are 9 photographs in total all photos may be put in between the article to make the article colorful please.
Regarding the Mahal article, it is about “Thaaraattu pattu” (the traditional songs used to sing by mother to make the baby asleep) . these are now gone with the wind. We have to preserve it . Please ask Jaffersha to make illustration for the article accordingly. Please get it translated, if necessary to convince the Hon’ble Administrator.
Captions for Photographs.
1. An Oil Tanker M.T.”T.C.Glesner” crossing the Bay of Biscay –Very rough sea.
2. MT.TC Glesner approaching a port in Green Land, nearing North Pole. Mr.M.Ibrahim,Rank Fitter (Minicoyan) posing for a memorial photograph.The sea surface around the ship seen freezed due to –10 degree.
3. 800 passenger liner M.V.Freedom
4. MV. Queen Marry a world famous passenger ship.
5. The missed Bessel with 10 Minicoyans MV Rezzek.
6. The picture shows the details of sails on a sailing vessel.
7. A sailing vessel on her voyage in high sea.
8. Map shows the black sea where the MV Rezzak missed.