Dhaka, Nov. 1 -- The revival of St Martin's Island has fallen flat on reopening day.

Despite the government reopening the coral island to tourists from Saturday, not a single ship departed from Cox's Bazar on the first day.

Silence prevailed throughout the morning at the BIWTA jetty in Nuniachhara, and tourist footfall was negligible.

Hosain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh, said only four passengers arrived at the jetty in the morning -- and even they returned without boarding.

He added, "It is impossible to operate ships for such a long sea journey in a day-trip format. Tourists will not opt for this under current conditions."

Authorities deploy eight vessels on the St Ma...