New Delhi/Port Blair, Dec 9: The Indian Navy and coast guard are trying hard to launch rescue ops in the cyclone hit Haveock and Neil Islands of Andamans where close to 1900 tourists are stranded presently. The rescue ops haven’t been successful in the last three days due to inclement weather and choppy sea. 

Six Naval ships along with two Coast guard ships started sail on Friday morning to evacuate the stranded tourists but bad weather is making the rescue mission a bit of a challenge. 

"Six Indian Navy ships and two Indian Coast Guard ships sailed out at 9.30 a.m. from Port Blair for rescue operations. Three Indian Air Force helicopters also taking part in IN, ICG, Army, State administration joint operation for evacuation of stranded tourists in the Havelock Island," Indian Navy said in a statement.
 
The sudden evacuation mission was initiated at the request of the A&N disaster management which speculates that a "cyclonic storm" might struck Havelock, an island about 36 km from capital Port Blair.
 
The Navy on Wednesday made its first attempt to rescue the tourists stranded in Havelock but failed to execute it due to bad weather. At present all the hotels and rest houses are occupied to their full capacities and the Governemnt has requested all hotels to provide free food to all tourists. Though there is no shortage of food supplies at present, the situation could get severe if the rescue ops are not successful soon enough. 

The two islands operate on generator produced electricity and depends on the jetty services for linage to main island cities. With all communications down and transport routes inaccessible people are waiting for a rescue before supplies run short. 

Four navy ships had to return in a failed rescue attempt, the officials from A&N Disaster Management informed.
 
"Now the weather conditions have improved. It's only moderate rain and winds. We hope the tourists will be able to reach the jetty. Ships have already left from Port Blair," an official from A&N Disaster Management told the media.