Sandwip cut off from mainland for fifth day as rough seas halt water transport

Sandwip, the isolated island upazila of Chattogram, has been completely cut off from the mainland for five consecutive days. Rough seas, caused by a persistent low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, have led to a total suspension of all water transport.

Ferry operations on the Banshbaria-Guptachhara route and all other marine transport between the island and the mainland have remained suspended since Thursday (2 July), disrupting the movement of thousands of residents, commuters and goods.

The prolonged suspension has left more than 100 passenger and cargo vehicles stranded at the Kumira and Guptachhara ferry terminals, while trucks carrying perishable goods face the risk of spoilage.

Drivers and transport workers have also been enduring severe hardship, citing inadequate facilities at the ferry terminals, including a lack of restaurants, rest areas, washrooms and bathing facilities.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Deputy Director (Port and Transport) Nayan Shil said the suspension would remain in place until weather conditions improve.

"When Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 is hoisted, all sea route transportation remains suspended for passenger safety because the sea is very rough. The suspension will continue until the signal is lowered," he told The Business Standard.

Although speedboats and trawlers operated on a limited scale along the Kumira-Guptachhara route on Thursday and Friday, services were later suspended as weather conditions deteriorated further.

According to residents, the disruption has paralysed normal life on the island, affecting emergency patients, overseas-bound migrant workers, businesspeople, office-goers and students.

On Sunday, the first working day after the weekly holiday, many government and private sector employees were unable to return to their workplaces on the mainland.

The disruption has been particularly severe for patients requiring specialised treatment in Chattogram city. Several overseas-bound passengers have also reportedly missed international flights after failing to leave the island on time, raising concerns over visa validity and approved leave periods.

Sandwip Upazila Nirbahi Officer Amzad Hossain said the suspension was unavoidable given the prevailing weather conditions.

"We have no control over the weather. This is a natural disaster. All water transport has remained suspended for the last several days, causing significant hardship for island residents," he said.

"For emergency patients, we are trying our best to provide treatment at the upazila health complex," he added.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Monday that the monsoon depression over Odisha and adjoining south Jharkhand had weakened into a well-marked low over eastern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas.

Currently, a steep pressure gradient persists over the northern Bay of Bengal and nearby coastal areas, resulting in squally weather conditions.

The BMD has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to keep Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 hoisted. It also instructed all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

Due to the rough sea conditions and ongoing cautionary signals, authorities have stated that ferry and other water transport services to Sandwip cannot resume until the weather improves.

No definite forecast has yet been issued on when the sea will become navigable again, leaving the restoration of the island's transport links with the mainland uncertain.