Fire Damages Saint Martin–Bound Vessel in Cox’s Bazar

A fire broke out on a Saint Martin–bound passenger vessel in the Bakkhali River near the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning.

The blaze started at around 7:00am on the vessel The Atlantic Cruise as it was arriving at the jetty to pick up passengers. According to officials, no casualties have been reported.

Confirming the incident, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Tanzila Tasnim said firefighting operations were underway and the vessel had been completely damaged. She added that there were no tourists on board at the time of the fire.

Hosain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners’ Association of Bangladesh, said smoke was first noticed coming from inside the vessel shortly before flames spread rapidly. Fire service personnel and others are continuing efforts to control the situation, he said.

Authorities are assessing the damage and the cause of the fire.