Two passengers were killed when a speedboat returning from Saint Martin’s Island capsized near the Gholaarchar area off Shah Porir Island on Monday morning.
The accident occurred around 11am amid rough sea conditions. The speedboat was carrying seven passengers, including women and children, when it overturned.
The deceased were identified as Mariam Khatun, 35, and her five-year-old daughter Mayma, residents of East Para in Ward 6 of Saint Martin’s Union. Mariam was the wife of Mahfuzur Rahman.
According to the boat’s driver, Mohammad Arif, the vessel flipped suddenly after being hit by strong waves in the rough waters near Gholaarchar. Another speedboat in the area responded quickly and rescued the remaining passengers.
Dr Ashif Alvi, an physician at the Teknaf Upazila Health Complex, said both Mariam and Mayma were already dead when they were brought to the hospital.
Initial reports suggest the accident occurred due to the rough sea conditions at the time.
