Vessel operations on the Teknaf-Saint Martin's Island route resumed on Sunday after a five-day suspension due to rough seas, enabling the return of residents and the delivery of essentials.
At around 11am, a trawler operated by Md Arafat set sail from Khayukkhali canal in Teknaf municipality, carrying over 50 passengers to Saint Martin’s.
Two other trawlers had departed earlier.
However, strong winds have once again begun to sweep over the island, causing rising water levels.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed that vessel movement resumed after a five-day suspension due to adverse weather.
He said that alongside daily necessities, residents who had been stranded in Teknaf were now returning to the island.
“One trawler has already reached the island,” he added.
The UNO further noted: “We are maintaining constant communication with Saint Martin’s, given its isolated nature and local representatives have been instructed to remain alert.”
On-site observations revealed large crowds of islanders at Khayukkhali canal in Teknaf.
While men were allowed to board the trawlers, women were reportedly being denied permission, causing distress among many.
Shamsun Nahar, a resident of Mazarpara in Saint Martin’s, said: “I came here for medical treatment and have been stranded in Teknaf for nine days. Even though trawlers are operating today, women are not being allowed to board. I am in severe difficulty with my child and I have no money. My family on the island is also struggling with food shortages. No one here is helping us.”
Former Saint Martin’s union parishad chairman Nur Ahmed added: “Around 300 island residents who came to Teknaf for medical or other needs remain stranded and are in serious hardship. While the islanders help stranded tourists during bad weather, the same support is not extended to us when we are stranded on the mainland.”
Zainal Abedin, another resident of the island, said: “There is a crisis on the island. All shops selling essential items are closed. No one understands the suffering of the islanders.”
Saint Martin’s UP acting chairman Fayezul Islam said: “One trawler reached the island this morning with essential supplies and a few passengers. But strong winds have started again and water levels are rising. People on the island are enduring great hardship.”
