If you travel through the Marine Drive in Cox’s Bazar, you will be captivated by an array of breathtaking sights on the two sides of the drive. There are lush green beautiful hills on one side and uninterrupted sea view on the other. Amidst these stunning vistas, the most striking man-made attraction is the vibrant fishing boats, frequently seen anchored on the beach and along the roadside.
The 85km long Marine Drive starts from Kolatoli, Cox’s Bazar and stretches all the way to the Naf River estuary at Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf. At every beach point on Marine Drive and in front of almost all big hotels and resorts, you’ll find the boats showcased as an iconic symbol of Cox’s Bazar’s heritage. It’s hard to find anyone who has travelled along Marine Drive and was not amazed by the craftsmanship of these boats and did not take a photo with them.
If the beautiful heritages of Cox’s Bazar are listed, this unique boat undoubtedly will top the list. This exquisite piece of cultural art is a true emblem of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Its intricate craftsmanship and vibrant presence make it much more than just a fishing boat.
Locally known as “nao,” the word boat is also used by many. I have talked to many elderly residents along Marine Drive, they shared that the history of the boats span over a hundred years, and over time it has evolved. Once these boats were sailed and rowed with oars, but now motorized.
The unique features
In this riverine country we have a diverse array of traditional boats in various shapes and sizes, each serving unique purposes -- some for fishing, others for commuting and water transport.
According to Wikipedia, approximately there are still 150 types of boats in the country, such as Sampan, Panshi, Bajipuri, Bedi, Kosha, Baichher Nouka, Dinghy, etc.
Coastal hubs like Kutubdia, Moheshkhali, Chakaria, Banshkhali, Chattogram, Noakhali, and Chandpur are teeming with fishing boats. The boats found along the Marine Drive stand out with their distinctive shapes and sizes
Unlike any other wooden boats in the country, the Marine Drive Boats are unique, their bow and stern are indistinguishable. Both ends feature the same sharply rising heads, with spikes that curve gracefully, resembling the shape of the English letter “C.”
The traditional sampans of Karnaphuli in Chittagong and the boats of Marine Drive in Cox’s Bazar are distinct from each other. Sampans are shallow and feature three heads: one at the bow and two at the stern. Unlike most other fishing trawlers or boats in the country, which typically have a single head, these boats have two identical spikes, making it challenging to distinguish the stern from the bow. Interestingly, while other fishing boats in the country are usually painted black, these boats are adorned with various colours.
Colourful flags and small music lights on the boats twinkle beautifully at night. Under a full moon, with the vibrant colours of the boats, the lights reflect off the sea waters, creating a striking and festive scene. It might seem like the fishermen decorate the boats for visitors and tourists, but that’s not the case. Having spoken to some fishermen, the boats are not merely commercial fishing vessels for them; they embody passion and artistry of those who own them. Crafting these boats demands special skills and expertise. The local craftsmen, who have no formal training in craftsmanship, inherit this traditional art and pass it down from one generation to the next.
Why this design
Fishing among humans is a prehistoric practice and so is the construction of various fishing vessels and boats. Depending on the available geographic resources and features, sea condition, fishing boats across the world are diverse in design.
For people along Marine Drive, fishing is one of the prime businesses. The stylish shape and beautiful features of the boats are not just the reflection of the local people’s artistic sense but also have geographical implications.
It is said that culture of a particular place is largely shaped by its geography that includes landscape, climate, and natural resources. The structure of the boats has a lot to do with the sea condition, available natural resources and its usage.
Maruf Al Kawsar, a local youth from Silkhali, Baharchara, Marine Drive, shared that his father used to own some of these boats. Earlier in the 90s, the boats were a bit smaller in size and not motorized, but over time it has becomr bigger in size and are now all engine-run. He also mentioned that these boats are shaped differently as they don’t venture into the deep sea. They typically go on one or two-day trip unlike bigger fishing trawlers that stay out for weeks and months. The sharp rising bows are made so as they need to cut through and withstand high waves in the nearshore rough waters within 5-8km.
Suganda, Kolatoli, and Laboni beach points in Cox’s Bazar are often crowded. For those seeking a refreshing escape from the concrete jungles of Dhaka and Chittagong, a ride along Marine Drive will offer a chance to see colourful boats and enjoy a more secluded, soothing beach experience. First-time travellers on Marine Drive will find it incredibly thrilling, as it seems like a never-ending road and with endless wonders. Even after many years of travelling this route, I never tire of its breathtaking beauties.
Parvez Uddin Chowdhury is a development worker and writer.
