The Navy, which had been kept on standby to bring oxygen containers from outside the country if needed, joined the oxygen transport efforts on Sunday. As part of the Oxygen Express, naval ships were sent to support the Lakshadweep operations.
In a statement on Sunday, the Navy mentioned that under Kochi-based the Southern Naval Command Headquarters naval ships are progressing with the mission of Oxygen Express “in order to render support to the local administration of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep”.
On April 25 morning, INS Sharda undertook the transfer of essential medical supplies to Kavaratti, and the stores consisted of 35 Oxygen cylinders, Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) kits, Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE), masks and other items to fight the pandemic.
“The disembarkation of stores was coordinated by personnel from INS Dweeprakshak at Kavaratti. The ship then continued with her mission to the island of Minicoy for disembarkation of Oxygen cylinders and medical supplies,” the Navy said.
As part of India's fight against COVID 19, the @indiannavy deploys ‘Oxygen Express'
to Island Territories.Today INS Sharda, undertook transfer of essential medical supplies to Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. pic.twitter.com/EY96jA3mat
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) April 25, 2021
It also stated that “41 empty Oxygen cylinders from the islands have been embarked onboard Indian Navy…