Ships to Saint Martin’s to resume Thursday

Tourist ship services on the Cox’s Bazar-Saint Martin’s route will resume on Thursday (November 5) morning after receiving all necessary administrative and environmental clearances.

Three vessels — MV Bar Aulia, MV Karnaphuli and MV Teknaf — will depart from Nuniachhara Ghat in Cox’s Bazar for the island.

SCOAB General Secretary Hossain Islam Bahadur confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying operations had been delayed due to administrative procedures despite the island reopening to tourists on November 1.

The three ships have a combined capacity of 2,298 passengers. They will depart Cox’s Bazar at 7 AM, 7:15 AM and 8:15 AM, respectively.

Under government guidelines, up to 3,500 tourists can visit the island daily until March 15. Visitors must carry travel passes and QR-coded tickets and pay a Tk 100 environmental fee.

Restrictions on beach lighting, loud noise, barbecue parties and activities harmful to marine life will remain in force.

-AJM