Fire on Saint Martin–bound vessel in Cox’s Bazar kills 1

A fire broke out on the Saint Martin–bound tourist vessel 'The Atlantic Cruise' in the Bakkhali River near the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning (December 27), leaving one crew member dead.

The fire started around 7:00am. Fifteen crew members were rescued alive from the vessel, officials said.

Executive Magistrate and Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanzila Tasnim said firefighters rushed to the scene and were working to bring the blaze under control. The vessel was extensively damaged, she said, adding that no tourists were on board at the time of the incident.

Cox’s Bazar Fire Service Deputy Assistant Director Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain identified the deceased as Nur Kamal, 25, a vessel worker from Teknaf.

BIWTA Cox’s Bazar River Port official Md Abdul Wakil said the fire had not been fully extinguished as of 9:00am.

Fire Service Station Officer Dolon Acharya said two fire units continued efforts to control the blaze.

The incident caused panic among tourists heading to Saint Martin’s Island. Although about 200 passengers were scheduled to board the vessel, 120 were transferred to three alternative ships. The remaining passengers are expected to travel on Sunday, officials said. Some passengers expressed frustration over delays in departures caused by the fire.

Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan visited the site and announced the formation of a five-member committee to investigate the cause of the fire. A meeting with vessel owners has also been scheduled for later in the day.