Cox’s Bazar: Over 1,000 tourists have got stranded at the St Martin’s coral island in the Bay of Bengal due to inclement weather.

Local administration asked the tourists not to leave the island until the weather improves, said Hasib Uddin Badal, vice-president of Cox’s Bazar Tour Operators’ Association.

The authorities suspended vessel movement on Teknaf-St Martin’s route due to rough sea under the influence of depression over the Bay, reports the UNB.

However, all the tourists are now safe, said Hasib Uddin.

On March 5, around 3,000 tourists went to the island. Among them, 11,00 tourists did not return for passing night over there.

Rabiul Hasan, upazila nirbahi officer of Teknaf upazila, said the tourists would be brought back to Teknaf once the weather gets normal.

The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No three due to frequent thunderstorms and squally weather.

Under the influence of frequent thunderstorm, a squally weather is likely to affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, said a Met office bulletin.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to proceed with caution until further notice.

Rain, thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.