The district administration has taken strict measures to ensure the safe and smooth journey of tourists bound for Saint Martin in Cox’s Bazar.
A ship crew member died in a fire on a passenger ship called ‘The Atlantic Cruise’ while it was anchored in the Nuniarachara area of ​​Cox’s Bazar on the morning of December 27, 2025.
The ship caught fire at approximately 6:20 am, just before the passengers were to board.
Upon receiving the information, a joint operation by the Fire Service and the Coast Guard quickly brought the fire under control.
A seven-member investigation committee has been formed under the leadership of the Additional District Magistrate, Cox’s Bazar, to find out the exact cause of the accident and formulate recommendations to prevent such accidents in the future.
In this context, an emergency meeting was held at the initiative of the district administration.
Representatives from the District Police, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Department of Shipping, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Department of Environment, Fire Service and Civil Defense and ship owners were present at the meeting.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md. Abdul Mannan, directed the Department of Shipping, BIWTA and Fire Service to re-examine the fitness and firefighting systems of all ships bound for St. Martin as an immediate decision.
Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan said at the meeting, “the safety of tourists and everyone involved in the vessel is our top priority. No ship will be allowed to sail to St. Martin unless all safety measures, including firefighting, are 100 percent satisfactory.”
He added that only ships that pass further verification of firefighting and security measures will leave for St. Martin from tomorrow.
For the convenience of the passengers of the ships whose journeys are delayed or cancelled, arrangements will be made to travel on other ships approved by the district administration.
The concerned parties have expressed hope that with this decision of the district administration, the journey of tourists going to Saint Martin will be safe and orderly.