140 Residents Return to St. Martin’s at Risk to Their Lives
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Adverse weather triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, continuous rainfall and rough seas have all compounded the suffering of people on St. Martin’s, the country’s only coral island. Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 remains in effect in the coastal areas.
In such a situation, around 140 residents set off for St. Martin’s from Teknaf on three wooden service trawlers, carrying essential food supplies and risking their lives.
After being stranded for 10 days, they finally breathed a sigh of relief upon returning to their families.
The three trawlers left Kayukkhali boat terminal in Teknaf municipality for St. Martin’s at around noon on Saturday.
Passengers had to travel about 36 kilometers by water through rough waves and continuous rain to reach the island. Such a journey was extremely risky amid the adverse weather. However, the longing to return to their families and the uncertainty of being stranded for so long forced them to take the risk.
Sources said passenger trawlers and other regular vessels have remained suspended on the Teknaf-St. Martin’s route for the past 10 days due to rough weather and turbulent seas in the Bay of Bengal. As a result, more than 150 residents of St. Martin’s became stranded in Teknaf after traveling there for medical treatment, emergencies, shopping and various personal needs.
Many fell into financial hardship after spending days in hotels or at relatives’ homes. With work suspended, their sources of income also dried up. Being separated from family members added to their mental stress. Under such circumstances, they ultimately decided to return to the island by trawler despite knowing all the risks involved.
When the trawlers left the terminal Saturday afternoon amid continuous rainfall and rough waves, an atmosphere of anxiety prevailed at Kayukkhali boat terminal. Many relatives of the passengers were seen praying for their safe journey. Despite the adverse conditions at sea, the trawlers slowly headed toward the deep sea.
Md. Jubair, who is in charge of the St. Martin’s service at Teknaf’s Kayukkhali boat terminal, said, “The stranded passengers were put on the trawlers. Essential food supplies were also sent with them. Everyone reached their destination safely.”
Mahfuza Akter, a member of Reserved Wards 1, 2 and 3 of the St. Martin’s Union Parishad, said, “The stranded residents of St. Martin’s were sent by trawler with the approval of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer. Essential food supplies were also provided with them.”
She said, “No one understands the suffering of the people of St. Martin’s. There is no work, no income. Many families are living in inhumane conditions.”
Local sources said St. Martin’s economy has remained largely stagnant since the end of the tourist season. As most islanders depend on tourism for their livelihoods, income naturally declines during the off-season. On top of that, the suspension of water transport for several days due to adverse weather has made the situation even more critical.
The closure of the waterway is disrupting food supplies. Concerns are also growing over possible shortages of essential commodities. At the same time, travel to the mainland for emergency medical services, students’ movement and employment opportunities have been severely affected. As a result, thousands of people on the isolated island are passing their days in extreme uncertainty.
Resident Kefaet Ullah said the suffering of St. Martin’s residents is unlikely to ease until the adverse weather subsides and regular water transport resumes. Therefore, local residents have urged the authorities to ensure safety, provide regular food assistance and medical supplies, and establish alternative transportation arrangements for emergencies.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer S M Anik Chowdhury said food assistance has been sent for around 300 families on St. Martin’s. He added that the overall situation of the island’s residents is being monitored regularly and assistance will continue as needed.
