Once used to transport goods and ferry passengers along the coast of Cox’s Bazar, the traditional sampan boats have undergone significant transformations over time. Now powered by engines instead of sails and oars, they brave the deep sea in search of fish — even during the fierce monsoon season.
These sea-going sampans are still a living part of the boat-building heritage of Cox’s Bazar. In coastal areas like Shamlapur of Ukhiya and Teknaf, they remain a common sight in the turbulent waters of the Bay of Bengal during the rainy season — fishing tirelessly in defiance of crashing waves and shifting tides.
Each sampan used for fishing typically measures about 27 feet in length and 9 feet in width. Constructing one — including engine installation, nets, and necessary equipment — costs around 700,000 to 800,000 Bangladeshi taka. Despite the challenges, these boats symbolize the enduring spirit of the region’s coastal fishing communities.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
