Rough seas leave Sandwip cut off from mainland Chattogram for 3 days

Sandwip has remained cut off from mainland Chattogram for three days as rough seas caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal forced authorities to suspend ferry, steamer and other vessel services on key routes.

Vessel movement on the Guptachhara-Banshbaria and Guptachhara-Kumira routes has remained suspended since Saturday (29 August) morning due to adverse weather, disrupting medical travel, work, business and overseas journeys, as well as the supply of goods to the island.

A limited number of speedboats are operating on the Guptachhara-Kumira route to transport emergency patients, but travelling remains risky amid the rough sea.

The risks faced by patients became particularly evident yesterday (30 August), when a video showing an 80-year-old woman being taken to Kumira by speedboat for emergency treatment went viral on social media.

The woman, identified as Rowshan Ara of Sandwip municipality, was seen being carried on a relative's lap as the speedboat crossed rough waters amid rain and strong winds. She had an oxygen tube attached to her nose and was covered with polythene.

The footage sparked concern among locals over the risks involved in transporting critically ill patients in such conditions.

Meanwhile, more than 100 cargo vehicles remain stranded at the Banshbaria and Guptachhara ferry terminals.

Drivers and traders fear raw materials and perishable goods could be damaged after remaining at the terminals for days.

Ferry Kopotakkho and passenger vessel Malancha have also remained out of service on the Banshbaria-Guptachhara route since Saturday.

Drivers and workers stranded at the terminals said they are facing difficulties due to inadequate food, restrooms, bathing facilities and places to rest.

The suspension has also raised concerns among expatriate-bound passengers over the expiry of their leave and visas. Many workers who were scheduled to return to their jobs after completing their leave remain stranded on the island.

Patients face added risks

The situation has become particularly difficult for patients as both sea ambulances at Sandwip Upazila Health Complex remain out of service.

"Both sea ambulances have been out of order for some time and are currently unfit to transport patients. We have applied to the higher authorities for new sea ambulances," said Dr Manas Das, upazila health and family planning officer.

"Without sea ambulances, relatives of critically ill patients are using alternative means to take them to the mainland for better treatment," he added.

According to the latest bulletin from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the sea remains rough due to the low-pressure system. Gusty winds are also expected in several areas, and vessels operating in coastal areas and the sea have been advised to proceed with caution.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) said vessel services could resume once weather conditions improve and the weather authorities withdraw the warning signal.

With the disruption continuing, islanders are unable to travel to the mainland for urgent medical and work-related needs, while essential goods are also failing to reach Sandwip on time.

Locals fear the hardship could worsen if vessel services are not restored soon.