C T Online Desk: Approximately 300 tourists on Wednesday found themselves stranded on Saint Martin’s Island as authorities in Teknaf suspended ship movement on the Teknaf-Saint Martin’s route due to adverse weather conditions.
The local administration took this decision as the sea was rough in hostile weather.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Adnan Chowdhury said: “Over 300 tourists left for Saint Martin’s on Tuesday morning aboard the MV Baro Awlia from Teknaf. However, the ship had to return to Teknaf in the afternoon due to bad weather. The tourists who stayed overnight on the island have not been able to return. We will arrange their return once the weather improves.”
“Instructions have been provided to local authorities and public representatives to ensure that stranded tourists on the island do not face any difficulties,” he added.
Cox’s Bazar has been experiencing rough weather since Tuesday afternoon due to the low pressure in the sea. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised the hoisting of local cautionary signal No three at the seaport.
On March 20, the district administration announced a ban on the movement of tourist vessels on this route. After six months, tourist ships started operating on the Teknaf-St Martin’s route on September 27.
