All vessel movement on the Teknaf–St. Martin’s Island route has been suspended due to rough seas, following directives from local authorities to prevent accidents amid worsening weather conditions. As squally winds swept through the island from early Thursday, fishing trawlers have also returned to Teknaf for safety.
Rashid Ahmad, president of the Teknaf–St. Martin’s service boat operators’ association said, “Vessel operations on this route have remained suspended for the past three days due to adverse weather. As a result, there is now a serious shortage of essential goods on the island. Many residents were already out of work, and the worsening weather has added to their hardship.”
He added, “Heavy wind and rain began this morning. We brought back the fishing boats to Teknaf for safety. If this continues, the situation on the island will become dire.”
Local resident Ayyat Ullah echoed the concerns: “People of St. Martin’s were already in crisis. With no vessels running for three days, people are now stuck indoors. The local markets are nearly out of essentials. If no supply trawlers arrive soon, many may go hungry.”
The depression over the Bay of Bengal has made the sea increasingly turbulent, raising water levels and triggering rain and gusty winds in Cox’s Bazar and other coastal regions. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 at all four maritime ports.
Meanwhile, rising tides are threatening coastal protection embankments in Teknaf’s Shah Porir Dwip, particularly along the banks of the Naf River in Jaliapara.
Mohammad Alam, a resident of Jaliapara, said, “Strong winds started blowing since early morning. The water level in the Naf River has risen, and waves are hitting the shore hard. Parts of the embankment are eroding, putting over 50 residents at risk.”
Fayezul Islam, acting chairman of St. Martin’s Union Parishad, confirmed the crisis: “The suspension of ferry services over the last three days has severely disrupted the supply of daily necessities. The islanders are going through a very difficult time. On top of that, the sea has become rough with rising tides and strong winds since morning.”
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, “All passenger boats and vessels on the Teknaf–St. Martin’s route have been suspended due to the rough weather. However, emergency relief was sent earlier for the approximately 2,500 people, including fishermen, currently on the island. We are monitoring the situation closely. Ferry services will resume once the weather improves. As for the embankment damage in Shah Porir Dwip, the relevant authorities have been informed.”
By Abdur Rashid Manik
File Photo
