Cox’s Bazar, Nov 5 (V7N)- Tourist vessel MV Baro Aulia departed from Cox’s Bazar for St Martin’s Island on Thursday morning, carrying 836 passengers, after overcoming several administrative complications.

The ship left the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara in Cox’s Bazar at around 7:40 am, marking the resumption of passenger services to the island for the tourist season.

The other two vessels, MV Karnaphuli and MV Teknaf, are expected to begin operating on the route from Friday.

The St Martin’s-bound Ship Owners’ Association said it had secured the required approvals from the relevant government agencies. The association received consent from the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner by around 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 4.

Under the government’s decision, a maximum of 3,500 tourists will be allowed to visit St Martin’s Island each day.

END/SMA/AJ