Cox’s Bazar, Dec 01 (V7N) – The first passenger vessels of the season departed for Saint Martin Island from the Nuniachhara BIWTA terminal in Cox’s Bazar on Monday morning, officially reopening the long coastal route for tourists. At 7:15 a.m., MV Karnaphuli Express, MV Bar Aulia, and Keari Sindabad set sail with nearly 1,200 passengers on board.
Large crowds began gathering at the terminal before dawn as travelers lined up for security checks and ticket verification. Prior to boarding, the local administration distributed eco-friendly water bottles to promote responsible tourism and reduce plastic waste in the marine ecosystem.
Authorities confirmed that a maximum of 2,000 tourists per day will be allowed to travel on approved vessels. Tickets must be purchased exclusively through the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s authorized online platform, where QR-coded digital tickets are mandatory to prevent fraud and ensure proper monitoring of tourist flow.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, General Secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners Association of Bangladesh, said that although six vessels have official permission, only three operated on the first day based on passenger demand. Daily sailing schedules will vary depending on tidal patterns and navigability conditions of the long sea route.
With the Teknaf–Saint Martin route still closed, all ships are now operating from Cox’s Bazar, making the journey longer but more regulated. To strengthen safety, tourist police units are maintaining heightened surveillance both at sea and across the island.
The administration is also enforcing the government’s 12 environmental protection directives for Saint Martin Island. These include bans on nighttime lighting, loud music or events, beach barbecues, coral extraction, and the movement of motorized vehicles. Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan stated that authorities are taking a strict stance to safeguard the island’s fragile biodiversity.
Passenger vessels did not operate last November due to the temporary ban on overnight stays at the island. However, with the start of December, tourist enthusiasm has returned as ships resume operations under reinforced environmental and safety guidelines.
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