Photo: Md. Saiful Aziz Shamseer (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons
When signal No. 3 goes up at the ports, the ships stop and visitors can be held on the island. Here's what to do.
Even in the tourist season, a depression in the Bay of Bengal can stop the ships to Saint Martin's Island. It doesn't happen often, but it helps to know what to do. Here's our advice, from El Marena Eco Resort near Chera Dip.
What the signals mean
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department issues signals for the sea ports. When ports including Cox's Bazar are told to raise signal No. 3, tourist ships on the route have been stopped to prevent accidents (Bangladesh Monitor). Visitors on the island then wait until the weather settles.
How long it can last
Past stoppages have usually lasted around two days (The Business Standard), and hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tourists have been held on the island until the ships ran again. Officials then bring them back once the sea is calm.
Before you go
- Check the weather forecast for the Bay of Bengal a few days before.
- Pack an extra day or two of medicine and some extra cash.
- Don't plan anything important for the day after you're due back.
- Save your ship operator's phone number.
If you're on the island
- Keep away from the beach and the rocks in rough weather.
- Follow the local administration and the Coast Guard's instructions.
- Call your ship operator about the new sailing.
- If you're staying with us, talk to us about staying on.
Our cancellation policy
El Marena has a flexible policy: cancel at least 24 hours before check-in for a full refund. If the weather looks bad before you travel, talk to us early.
