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Tourist ship services on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin’s Island route resumed on Thursday (November 5) after days of uncertainty, with MV Baro Awlia departing Nuniachhara Ghat in Cox’s Bazar at 7:30am.
However, the vessel sailed with more passengers than its approved capacity. The Bangladesh Tourism Board’s app showed 886 passengers on board, against the vessel’s capacity of 850.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh, said MV Baro Awlia had departed for the island carrying more than 800 passengers despite various operational limitations.
He said only one vessel was operating on the opening day, as more than 800 passengers had already booked tickets. Those travelling on Thursday were among those who had purchased tickets in advance.
The government has approved two additional vessels for the route, which will be introduced gradually depending on passenger demand, he added. Applications have also been submitted for permission to operate six more vessels, which are awaiting approval from the relevant authorities.
Mohammad Ataur Rahman, assistant commissioner (land) of Cox’s Bazar Sadar, said the administration was monitoring all aspects of the vessel operations.
Officials from the Coast Guard, River Police and Department of Environment, along with other relevant agencies, had inspected the vessels and monitored operational arrangements. Initial inspections found everything to be in order, he said.
He added that monitoring would be strengthened as more vessels joined the service, expressing hope that tourists would be able to visit the island until March 15.
Syed Mohammad Morshed Hossain, deputy assistant director of Cox’s Bazar Fire Service and Civil Defence, said his department had inspected the vessel’s fire safety arrangements at the request of the district administration.
He said the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) was responsible for inspecting such equipment, adding that his team was satisfied with the arrangements.
Earlier, authorities had announced that three vessels would begin operating on the route from Thursday morning. After receiving approval from the relevant departments, operators had also started selling tickets.
However, uncertainty emerged on Wednesday evening over whether the services would begin as scheduled. Following a day of developments, the district administration decided to allow one vessel to sail for Saint Martin’s on Thursday.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Abul Mannan said many tourists had already purchased tickets, and the decision to operate one vessel was made considering their situation.
The three vessels approved by the Department of Shipping and the Department of Environment are MV Baro Awlia, MV Karnaphuli and MV Teknaf. Together, they have a passenger capacity of 2,298 — 850 for MV Baro Awlia, 732 for MV Karnaphuli and 716 for MV Teknaf.
According to the authorities’ schedule, MV Baro Awlia departs Cox’s Bazar at 7:30am and leaves Saint Martin’s at 2:30pm for the return journey. MV Karnaphuli departs at 7:15am and returns at 2:15pm, while MV Teknaf leaves at 8:15am and returns at 3:30pm.