Tourist ship operations from Cox's Bazar to Saint Martin's Island have resumed after a 10-month hiatus. Following government approval, the tourist vessel MV Bar Aulia departed from the Nuniarchhara Ghat along the Bankkhali River in Cox's Bazar city on Thursday (November 5) morning, carrying over 800 tourists bound for Saint Martin's Island.
Concerned sources reported that the ship carried passengers exceeding its capacity on the very first day. The vessel reportedly has a total crew and staff count of 37, including 21 official employees. However, discrepancies exist between the capacity figures provided by the ship authorities and statements from relevant regulatory officials.
The three tourist vessels granted government approval are MV Bar Aulia, MV Karnafuli, and MV Teknaf, with a combined total capacity of 2,298 passengers. Ship authorities claimed that MV Bar Aulia can transport 850 passengers, MV Karnafuli 732 passengers, and MV Teknaf 716 passengers. However, relevant regulatory authorities expressed differing opinions regarding these capacity claims.
Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB) General Secretary Hossain Islam Bahadur stated that ship operations commenced Thursday morning after completing all necessary preparations, regardless of passenger numbers. On the first day, over 800 passengers traveled aboard MV Bar Aulia, and the vessel reached Saint Martin's Island safely.
Tour Operators Association of Cox's Bazar (TOAC) Joint General Secretary Shafiul Alam informed that one-way ship fares for Saint Martin-bound tourists have been set at a minimum of Tk 1,800 to a maximum of Tk 5,000, with top-tier tickets offering cabin facilities.
According to government decisions, tourist ship operations to Saint Martin were originally scheduled to begin on November 1. However, due to various complexities, operations could not start on time. MV Bar Aulia received formal navigation clearance to Saint Martin on Wednesday night.
Read nextMan Hacked to Death in Munshiganj SadarUnder the designated schedule, MV Bar Aulia will depart Cox's Bazar at 7:00 AM and return from Saint Martin at 2:30 PM. MV Karnafuli will leave Cox's Bazar at 7:15 AM and return at 2:15 PM, while MV Teknaf will depart at 8:15 AM and head back to Cox's Bazar from the island at 3:30 PM.
In accordance with revised government guidelines, tourists are permitted to travel to and stay overnight in Saint Martin from November 1 through March 15 next year. However, a daily ceiling of 3,500 tourists has been imposed for island visits. Each tourist must pay an environmental conservation fee of Tk 100, while mandatory travel passes and QR-code-enabled tickets are required for all travelers.
Although the island has been opened to tourists, several strict restrictions remain in force to safeguard the local environment and biodiversity. Under the directives, lighting up the beach and surrounding areas at night, creating loud noise, and hosting barbecue parties are strictly prohibited. Entry into keya forests, as well as collecting or buying and selling keya fruits, has also been banned.
Furthermore, harming any natural resources or biodiversity of the island—including sea turtles, birds, corals, snails, clams, starfish, horseshoe crabs, seagrass, and algae—is strictly prohibited. All motor vehicles, including motorcycles and sea-bikes, are barred from operating on the beach.
Tourism entrepreneurs expect that the resumption of tourist ship operations after a prolonged closure will inject fresh vitality among travel enthusiasts visiting Saint Martin's Island.
Department of Environment Cox's Bazar Deputy Director Khandakar Mahmud Pasha stated that permission for tourist travel to Saint Martin's Island has been granted under strict compliance with specific environmental conditions.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sayeed Mohammed Anwar, Special Correspondent, Cox's Bazar • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
