St Martin tourism faces loss for suspended vessel service

During monsoon every year, local administration does not permit any vessel to carry people there fearing accidents. The authorities withdraw the suspension of plying vessels as soon as the rainy season is over. But this year, they are making delay to give the permission. Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shafiul Alam said: “Plying tourist vessels remains suspended in the naval route due to bad weather. The permission will be given in due time provided that the weather is good.” “Who will take the responsibility if any accident occurs? He told the Dhaka Tribune. Around six to seven tourist vessels, including Keyari Sindabad, Keyari Dine and Crews, LCT Kutubdia and Bay Crews, were ready to carry tourists to the island on the day after Eid-ul-Azha, as huge tourists throng the island during the vacation every year. This year, tourists and local businessmen both feel frustrated--the tourists being deprived of enjoying the natural beauty of the island and the businessmen being divested of profits. Shah Alam, in-charge of Keyari Sindabad, said: “Though application seeking the permission of plying the vessels was submitted in due time, the authorities did not allow them to ply. That is why hundreds of tourists went back the day after Eid-ul-Azha though all the vessels were ready to give them service.” Nur Ahmed, union chairman of St Martin, said: “Locals of the island have been waiting eagerly for tourists and all the hotels and motels have been decorated well, but a few number of tourists have visited the island as the vessels’ movements remained suspended.” However, some tourists went to the island by small trawlers risking their lives, whereas most of the tourists, who could not go to the island, visited different tourist spots inTeknaf, reports our correspondent. The island is separated from Shah Parir Dwip in Teknaf upazila of the mainland by an 8km channel. Around 7,500 people live in the 8-square kilometre island.