Coast Guard beefs up patrols, surveillance to ensure tourist safety in Saint Martin's
Cox's Bazar Correspondent
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has intensified patrol and maritime surveillance measures along the Cox's Bazar–Saint Martin's sea route to ensure the safety of tourists visiting the country's sole coral island.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon disclosed this in a press release on Thursday afternoon.
The press release said that alongside maintaining law and order in coastal and riverine regions, the Bangladesh Coast Guard remains committed to safeguarding Saint Martin's Island, preventing maritime crimes, and protecting the island's delicate ecosystem and biodiversity.
As part of the heightened security protocol, the Coast Guard has expanded routine patrols and intelligence monitoring along the navigational channel from BIWTA's Nuniachhara Ghat in Cox's Bazar to Saint Martin's Island. High-speed patrol craft and Coast Guard vessels have been deployed on continuous standby to respond swiftly to maritime accidents or emergencies encountered by passenger vessels during transit.
In addition to enforcing security, Coast Guard personnel remain stationed at key boarding points and sea lanes to provide immediate logistical and safety assistance to tourists and local commuters.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard also urged citizens to contact the Coast Guard helpline at 16111 for immediate emergency assistance.
