Over 300 tourists stranded again on Saint Martin's due to bad weather
The meteorological department in Cox's Bazar has issued signal number 3 in the coastal area, indicating caution to maritime vessels
Due to hostile weather conditions in Cox's Bazar, tourist ships travelling on the Teknaf-Saint Martin route have been suspended yet again, leaving over 300 tourists stranded on Saint Martin's Island.
Just a few days ago on 30 September, more than 200 tourists were trapped while visiting the island.
On Tuesday (3 October) evening, directives were issued to halt movement of tourist ships along the seas, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Adnan Chowdhury confirmed to The Business Standard
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Amid hostile weather conditions, navigation along the Teknaf-Saint Martin route has become dangerous. Hence, the meteorological department in Cox's Bazar has issued signal number 3 in the coastal area, indicating caution to maritime vessels.
However, measures have been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of stranded tourists on the island, the UNO assured, saying local representatives and authorities have been instructed to address any inconvenience faced by these tourists.
He further explained, "On Friday morning, MV Baro Aulia left Teknaf for Saint Martin's Island with 852 tourists. However, due to adverse weather conditions in the afternoon, the ship returned with over 600 tourists. The remaining tourists stayed overnight on the island and are stranded there as of now."
Since Wednesday (27 September), MV Baro Aulia has been conducting experimental voyages on the Teknaf-Saint Martin route.
"Initially, permission had been granted for seven days of operation. If it proves successful, further approvals would be extended for not only this ship but also for others to operate on this maritime route," said Nayan Shil, deputy director of BIWTA Chattogram regional office.
UNO Adnan said Cox's Bazar has been experiencing hostile weather since Friday afternoon due to low pressure in the sea due to the influence of monsoon winds.
"Once the weather conditions normalise, arrangements will be made to safely return the stranded tourists from Saint Martin to Teknaf," the UNO said.
