Photo : BSS

COX'S BAZAR, Dec 27, 2025 (BSS) - A fire broke out on the Saint Martin-bound vessel 'The Atlantic Cruise' at the Nuniachara BIWTA (Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority) Ghat here early this morning, killing one crew member. 

The fire erupted in the engine room of the ship around 7:00 a.m. and subsequently engulfed the vessel while it was anchoring at the dock, Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain, Deputy Assistant Director of Cox's Bazar Fire Service and Civil Defence, told BSS. 

The crew member, identified as Nur Kamal, 35, of Hnila Union under Teknaf Upazila, was reportedly sleeping in a cabin of the vessel.

"However, as many as 194 tourists, who were waiting to board the vessel, narrowly escaped," Syed Muhammad Morshed Hossain added.
   
The fire official said the blaze was brought under control around 11:00 a.m. as two units of the Fire Service and a volunteer team of the local administration, including the Coast Guard, made concerted efforts to douse the fire.

Sea Cruise Owners' Association General Secretary Hossain Islam Bahadur said following the incident, rescuers recovered the burnt body of Nur Kamal.

Mohammad Ismail, an official of The Atlantic Cruise, said the fire is initially suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
Meanwhile, a portion of the passengers have been sent to Saint Martin on another vessel according to its capacity.

Additional District Magistrate Md Shahidul Alam said a five-member inquiry committee has been initially formed to look into the incident. The number of committee members will be increased if necessary.

Details will be known once the investigation committee submits its report, he added.