Ten degree channel is most turbulent area of Andaman Sea, situated in the temptestuous Bay of Bengal, 10 degrees North of equator.This channel bifurcates the archipelagos of Andaman towards north and Nicobar towards the south of this fabled channel over four kms. deep. Even for the ordinary seafarers regularly crossing this locale found it extemely dull and drab affair.This was chiefly on account of a perpetual state of disturbance which created a frightful psychological barrier.
Vessels of all classifications sailing through, felt the strong effects of rolling and pitching, predominantly prevailing in this area. Coast guards had acquired two sleek new surveillance vessels from Japan, these were indigenously fitted with armaments, including 40/60 naval vintage guns. The Japanese were still reeling under the impact of embargo imposed by Douglas MacArthur’s restrictions imposed against export of all military hardware.Hence patrol boats were supplied to India without any offensive fitments.
These patented boats were christened as MV Jijabai and MV Chandbibi. It was a real pleasure riding these speedy sophisticated seacraft on the pristine open high seas of Andamans.
Itinerary of commissioning of coast guard District HQs at Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Island was scheduled on 12th May 1985 at 1050 hrs. P V Narasimha Rao, Defence Minister of India, was the Chief Guest for this historic event.
All senior officers of Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands were invited to grace this occasion. But on account of inaccessibility of forlorn area, just a handful of officers could reach this faroff frontier of the Indian Republic.
I was one of lucky few to be present at this godforsaken place.
On 11th of May we enjoyed a grand celebrative cocktail party, on board coast guard vessel, attended by army, navy, coast guard officers, myself being the lone police representative.
P V Narasimha Rao arrived from Port Blair by IAF aircraft at Car Nicobar, availing a heli ride to Campbell Bay by MI8 chopper.
At the venue he warmly shook hands with the officers present.
Precisely at 1107 hrs. color hoisting ceremony was performed by the chief guest, followed by National Anthem.Commander Subba Rao assumed office of its first commanding officer, a national level sportsman, ex-naval officer permanently absorbed in coast guard.
Andaman police band, highly acclaimed topmost band of the Bay Islands performed the various ceremonial duties, delighting deligent officers.
On 13th of May, we undertook the return journey to Port Blair, on board ICGS MV Jijabai, approaching the volatile sea around fabled ten degree channel, close to the time of retreat.Each one of us were in a high state of dispair, everyone absorbed to himself, sitting depressed in quite a melancholy mood, viewing the prevailing morose state of sea. Suddenly it dawned in my mind, why not turn the tide from the existing gloominess into a refreshing state of entertainment.
All of us had already starting sinking into dreariness of doldrums.All hands were summoned at the upper deck. Our police band was requested to play the scintillating tunes of golden numbers of yesteryears rendered immemorial by melodious voices of Mohd. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey, Kishore, Mahinder Kapoor etc..These evergreen tunes invigoratingly uplifted our sagging mental spirits, it appeared that the sea gods too enjoyed this rare musical treat.
We did succeed in turning the tide full circle, the dull and drab atmosphere metamorphosed into making the miserable evening to a lively memorable event of our lives.
The captain’s bouyant sanguine graciousness further added a punch to this ongoing entertainment program of musicology. This was in form of setting the ship’s guns blazing, scores of shells were fired in this process. While on one side towards west were the picturesque twilighted crimson skies of the setting sun. On the eastern horizon was a spectacular breathtaking show of streaks of unforgettable cannonade of fire lighting up grey skies being rapidly engulfed by darkness.
Thus such a distinctive mode of light and sound program not only enlivened the sea of Andaman, buzzing with rare sound of music, being complemented with reverberations of heavy friendly gunfire. It virtually hoisted our wobegone sinking spirits to unprecedented heights of euphoric entertainment.
Obviously it appears that no body would ever thought of or had such a marvellous opportunity of crossing the ten degree channel in the most unforgettable spectacular manner in which we relishingly enjoyed.
