Every dawn at the Nazirtek coast in Cox’s Bazar is marked by a flurry of activity. As large fishing trawlers anchor offshore to set out for deep-sea fishing, smaller boats sail through the rolling waves—carrying food and daily essentials for the fishermen working far from land.
These small boats, run by local fishermen, carry cooked rice, curry, drinking water, and basic supplies, delivering them directly to the trawlers out at sea.
This floating trade enables deep-sea fishermen to stay at work for more extended periods, providing a vital source of income for many coastal families.
Locals fondly call it a “floating market of survival,” where the sea itself becomes a platform for livelihood and exchange.
“The fishermen often spend three to four days in the ocean,” said one boatman. “It’s our duty to make sure they get food and necessities while at sea.”
At the Nazirtek jetty, this rare and beautiful scene unfolds daily — boats rocking with the rhythm of the waves, serving meals on the vast ocean, keeping both hope and hunger afloat.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
