Tourists gathered at Nuniachhara jetty in Cox’s Bazar on Friday morning as three vessels carried a total of 1,554 tourists to Saint Martin’s Island on the second day of the current tourism season.
MV Karnaphuli and MV Teknaf left Nuniachhara jetty in the morning for the coral island, joining MV Bar Aulia, which began carrying tourists on Thursday, the first day of the season.
According to the ship operators, 619 tourists were aboard MV Bar Aulia on Friday, while MV Karnaphuli carried 387 and MV Teknaf 548. Together, the three vessels carried 1,554 tourists to Saint Martin’s, and they were expected to reach the island by noon.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), said the three authorised vessels would continue operating regularly until March 15 next year.
“The three vessels have a combined capacity of around 2,300 passengers. As up to 3,500 tourists are allowed to visit Saint Martin’s every day this season, the number of vessels may be increased if necessary,” he said.
Under the government’s decision, tourist travel to Saint Martin’s was scheduled to begin on November 1. However, the operation was delayed because of complications with administrative approval, vessel clearances, and compliance with environmental conditions.
After weeks of uncertainty, tourist vessel operations finally began on Thursday with MV Bar Aulia carrying 836 tourists on the first day.
On Friday morning, officials from the district administration, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), police and Coast Guard were seen working at Nuniachhara jetty to maintain security and discipline as tourists gathered for the journey.
The renewed vessel services have brought increased activity to the jetty as tourists return to Saint Martin’s after a prolonged period of uncertainty over the island’s tourism operations.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
