A Ramsgate couple are stuck in Goa on India’s west coast with barely any food supplies and do not know when repatriation flights will be organised.
Michael Ashley, 73, and wife Pauline, 67, are staying in a rented house near Calangute and Panaji, as they have done for the past 27 years.
But India went under complete lockdown on March 25 with just a few hours notice as authorities attempted to slow down the spread of coronavirus.
No shops are open and there is a total ban on people leaving their homes.
It is unclear how food is being provided and Michael says the couple are existing on a bit of bread in the morning and whatever vegetables Goan people give them in the evening.
They are also running out of prescription drugs for glaucoma and arthritis and running very low on money.
Michael said: “Despite promises, no food shops or markets are open, and the promised local food delivery service was stillborn. We’ve managed to just about get by with help from our landlords downstairs -a couple of chapatis two days running and 6 eggs, and a small sliced white loaf – and from our friends Robin and Helena we had some bread, an onion and a bit of salami
“We have provided our full details to two governments and the facebook group – the convenor of which is in total despair – and I’ve written to my MP, whom I know, who has approached the Foreign Office, but seemingly got a dusty response. We are at a loss of what more to do.
“We just don’t know why the UK government seems to have abandoned the 1000 and more British citizens here, when tourists stuck in Peru seem to have attracted interest, and at least one other country, Russia, has recently managed to fly a plane load out from Goa.”
The couple were booked to return to Heathrow on April 2 with Oman Air, but the airline has cancelled all flights.
Former Ramsgate resident Bob Simkins, who lives in Goa during the winter, is also stranded.
Bob is a regular at the Broadstairs Folk Week market at Victoria Gardens with his stall selling Indian clothing.
South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay said: “There are a number of my constituents stuck abroad. The extent of the lockdown in many countries are more extensive than our own, making overland travel to hub airports within those countries extremely difficult, if not illegal under their domestic emergency laws over which we have no control.
‘Three week lockdown’
A statement from the Foreign Office says: “Cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in India. The Indian authorities have introduced a number of measures to limit the spread of the virus. On March 24, Prime Minister Modi announced a three week lockdown across India that requires everyone to stay at home from midnight on March 25 for 21 days.
“We are working with the Indian authorities and airlines to support British nationals who want to leave India and return to the UK.
“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising British nationals against all non-essential international travel at this time.”
A petition asking the government to repatriate those stuck in India can be found here
I hope they manage to get back to the UK soon. One can live in Goa very well on £50 per month in normal times. However now they are in total lock down I don’t know how they are going to get to the airport if they can’t leave the house, even if they do the Airport is closed.
maybe they should have returned home earlier,ok it will cost them but atleast their home.
Thelocal British embassy,consulate or high commission needs to be contacted and the travellers details registered.They will prioritise who needs what help.
The couple know the country and probably have local contacts,registering with the local police is also advisable.
Uk gov reparation flights are being arranged,at present these flights are not free like recent caa,abta & atol reparation missions.
Travellers affected can get a government emergency loan for travel,accommodation,medicines,food etc.
Wish them home soon.
Many people tried to book earlier flights with air India and as all flights were cancelled under lockdown they all lost their money. These flights were posted non refundable