A fire broke out on the Saint Martin-bound vessel The Atlantic Cruise at Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty early Saturday, killing one crew member and prompting the rescue of 15 others.
The deceased, Nur Kamal, 35, was reportedly asleep in a cabin when the blaze erupted around 6:20am, just as the vessel was preparing to depart.
Fire service units, the Coast Guard, and volunteer teams rushed to the scene, controlling part of the fire, which continues to burn.
Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain, deputy director of Cox’s Bazar Fire Service and Civil Defence, said, “The body of one crew member was completely charred and recovered from a cabin. We are investigating if anyone else was inside. The cause of the fire is not yet confirmed.”
Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out as the vessel arrived at the jetty, spreading rapidly near the river mouth. Local residents rescued 15 crew members using trawlers and speedboats, while 194 tourists waiting to board escaped unharmed.
Following the fire on the Saint Martin-bound vessel, Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan visited the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty to oversee the situation.
He confirmed that a five-member investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the fire. A meeting with vessel owners has also been scheduled for later in the day to discuss necessary actions and safety measures.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), said, “Today, 194 tourists were scheduled to travel on this vessel. Luckily, none had boarded yet. Some passengers were transferred to other vessels, while the rest will travel tomorrow.”
Prospective passenger Mohammad Obaidul Islam described the scene as terrifying, “We were lucky not to board. Seeing the fire with my own eyes was frightening, but thankfully everyone waiting at the jetty is safe.”
Authorities have formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the fire. Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanzila Tasnim, said, “We are examining whether the fire resulted from a mechanical fault or another reason. Details will be shared after the investigation.”
The Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin route resumed on 1 December, with six vessels authorized to carry up to 2,000 tourists daily under 12 safety guidelines.
