Trawler services between the Teknaf and Martin’s Island remain suspended for the sixth consecutive day due to rough seas and adverse weather, leaving island residents in distress.
The prolonged disruption has raised fears of shortages of essential supplies as the remote island depends on the mainland for daily necessities.
According to sources, all passenger vessel movement on the route has been suspended since Thursday. The disruption, which began on the morning of July 2 and continued until noon on Monday, 7 July, has affected the lives of thousands of residents of St Martin’s Island, who depend on the mainland for food and other necessities.
All vessels operating on the route are currently anchored as warning signals remain in force at Cox’s Bazar seaport.
Faruk Ahmed, a ticket seller on the route, said services would resume only after the warning signals were withdrawn. He added that many passengers remained stranded on both sides of the route.
Abdur Rashid, president of the St Martin’s Service Boat Owners Association, said 26 boats are registered for the route, but regular operations have been completely halted due to the adverse weather.
Foyezul Islam, acting chairman of St Martin’s Union Parishad, said such disruptions had become a recurring problem for island residents during June and July.
He warned that prolonged suspension of boat services could create serious humanitarian risks, particularly for patients requiring emergency treatment as medical evacuation becomes difficult during such periods.
“We have discussed the emergency situation with the Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO),” Foyezul Islam said.
He added that discussions were underway with the Coast Guard to arrange a larger vessel from Shah Porir Dwip to transport HSC examinees stranded on the island to the mainland.
Teknaf UNO S M Anik Chowdhury confirmed that the boat service had been suspended due to deteriorating weather conditions.
He said the concerned ministry had been informed about the students stranded on St Martin’s Island and that a decision on their transportation would be taken after further assessment.
Authorities said services would resume once weather conditions improve and warning signals are withdrawn.
