155 tourists stranded in St Martin's Island

At least 1,500 tourists returned to Teknaf from half way to St Martin's Island in Cox's Bazar yesterday due to the low over the Bay, while a total of 155 tourists remained stranded in the island.
The low over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay intensified into a well marked low yesterday which is likely to intensify further, said a Met Office warning.
It also warned squally weather might affect the maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla which were advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three.
All fishing boats and trawlers were advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice.
Sources concerned said the two ships LCT Kutubdia and Keari Sindbad carrying about 1500 tourists, left Teknaf for St Martin's Island around 9:00am yesterday. But they compelled to return after one hour sailing being caught in furious waves at Badar Mokam.
The passengers alleged the ships yesterday carried several times more passengers than their capacity.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer AMM Nazim Uddin on September 27 fined LCT Kutubdia and Keari Sindbad Tk 20,000 and Tk 10,000 respectively for carrying excess passengers.
Acting chairman of St Martin's Island union Noor Mohammad said the 155 stranded tourists are staying in 30 hotels of the island as there is no alternative to return to Teknaf.