At least 2,000 tourists are stranded on Saint Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal due to signal number 3 warning that shut all ship services on the Teknaf-St Martin’s route.
St Martin’s Island Union Council Chairman Noor Ahmad Anwari said: “The tourists could not return to Teknaf since no ships came to the island due to hostile weather on Wednesday. Stranded tourists will be provided with necessary assistance,” he said.
The authorities suspended vessel movement on the Teknaf-St Martin's route due to rough sea under the influence of depression over the Bay.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rabiul Hasan said: “Seven ships travel on the Teknaf-St Martin’s route daily. However, due to adverse weather, ships did not travel to Saint Martin’s Island on Wednesday, to avoid accidents. If the weather gets back to normal by tomorrow [Thursday] morning, some ships will be sent to bring them back.”
Abdul Khalek, general secretary of Cox's Bazar Fishing Boat Owners Association, said all the fishing trawlers at sea began to return to the coast due to stormy weather.
Mohammad Shahidul Islam, meteorological officer of Cox's Bazar Meteorological (Met) office, said: "Due to the increase in concentration of thunderstorms, ships and boats have been asked to stay off the coast of Cox's Bazar.”
So far, 36mm rainfall has been recorded in Cox's Bazar, he said, adding: “All vessels including fishing trawlers have been asked to stay away from Bay of Bengal and Naf River. However, signal number 3 may still be raised on Thursday as well.”
The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number 3 due to frequent thunderstorms and squally weather.
Under the influence of frequent thunderstorms, the bad weather is likely to affect maritime ports, North Bay, and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, said a Met office bulletin.
All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to proceed with caution until further notice.
Rain, thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at one or two places over the Chittagong and Sylhet divisions.