All types of water transport have been halted between Saint Martin's Island and Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar for the last three days since Friday due to several firing incidents on boats by Myanmar criminals, triggering a food crisis on the island.

Abdur Rashid, president of the Trawler Owners' Association on this route, said multiple trawlers were shot at on Thursday and Friday.

"On Friday, criminals from Myanmar fired at my boat. The crew narrowly escaped unharmed."

He could not confirm whether it was the Border Guard Police of Myanmar or the rebel Arakan Army shooting at them.

The incidents took place at the estuary of the Naf River, and this is the only way to St Martin's Island, he said, adding that the other way would be through the sea, which is rough and perilous.

Three trawlers from each side ply between Teknaf and St Martin's Island every day with passengers and necessary supplies, he added.

About 10,000 people live on Saint Martin's Island. They are already suffering from a food crisis as almost all supplies go to the island from the mainland.

Mujibor Rahman, chairman of the St Martin's union, said, "If the transport service does not resume within two or three days, the food crisis will turn severe."

Speaking on the issue, Yamin Hossain, additional district magistrate of Cox's Bazar district administration, said, "Due to recurring firing incidents, we are considering getting supplies to the island via an alternate route."