COX'S BAZAR, Jan 9: Tourist vessels began operating on the Cox's Bazar-St Martin's Island route on December 1 with government clearance. Every day, around 2,000 tourists travel to the country's only coral island. But the journey is fraught with danger.
A joint inspection team has identified eight serious safety flaws in five of the vessels currently plying on the route.
Officials say none of the ships meet full safety standards, meaning passengers are exposed to risks including fire hazards throughout the season. Each vessel permitted to operate was found to have at least one violation, while some had multiple defects.
The alarm was raised after a fire broke out on the MV Atlantic Cruise on December 27, killing one passenger. Following the incident, authorities cancelled the approvals of MV LCT Kajal and MV Atlantic Cruise. On December 30, a joint operation led by the Coast Guard was conducted at the BIWTA jetty on the Bankkhali River in Cox's Bazar. Inspectors found widespread violations and later submitted a written report to the Department of Shipping and other agencies.
The vessels flagged for safety risks include MV Bar Aulia, MV Karnaphuli, MV Keari Sindabad, MV Bay Cruiser, MV Keari Cruise and Dine, and MV Atlantic Cruise.
The inspection team identified eight major flaws across the vessels. First, none of the ships carry minimum safe manning documents. Regulations require two masters and two drivers, but each vessel operates with only one. Second, fire and safety plans are not properly followed. Life saving appliances and fire fighting equipment are missing, and most ships do not have enough functional life jackets.
Third, survey certificates list masters whose names do not match those actually serving on board, raising questions about compliance. Fourth, there is no documentation of main engine overhauling, leaving doubts about mechanical reliability. Fifth, fire pumps are often found non functional and hose pipes insufficient.
Sixth, the engine rooms lack fixed carbon dioxide systems, which are critical for suppressing fires. Seventh, fire control panels, alarms, and detection systems are not operational, leaving passengers vulnerable in case of emergencies. Finally, the masters and drivers do not possess basic fire fighting training certificates, meaning crews are unprepared to respond to fire incidents.
In response, the Department of Shipping issued a directive on January 4, signed by Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, Chief Engineer and Ship Surveyor. The order set a deadline of January 15 for correcting the flaws. Failure to comply will result in cancellation of operating permits.
Cox's Bazar River Port Officer Md Abdul Wakil said, he has not yet received the directive officially but has been informally informed. He added that BIWTA officials also observed the safety risks during the joint operation. "Once the order reaches us, we will act according to higher authorities' instructions," he said.
Meanwhile, tickets already sold for the cancelled MV LCT Kajal and MV Atlantic Cruise are being transferred to MV Teknaf. Abdul Wakil confirmed issuing a letter directing the adjustment.
Ship owners under the Sea Cruise Association of Bangladesh (SCAB) acknowledged receiving the directive. General Secretary Hossainul Islam Bahadur said: "We are taking necessary steps within the stipulated time. Advance tickets of cancelled vessels are being transferred as instructed."
Despite repeated warnings, locals and tourism stakeholders fear that unless strict enforcement is ensured, thousands of passengers will continue to face grave risks on the St Martin's route this season.
