A woman dies in speedboat accident on the Cox’s Bazar–Maheshkhali waterway

A woman was killed and several others injured after two speedboats collided in the coastal waters of Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, highlighting persistent safety concerns on Bangladesh’s busy island waterways. The fatal incident occurred at around 12:15 pm on Monday (26 January) near the mouth of the Hamidia Canal, adjacent to the Gorokghata area.

The deceased has been identified as Nur Nahar, a resident of Samiraghona village under Kalarmarchhara Union in Maheshkhali upazila. The death was confirmed by Maheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imran Mahmud, who said local authorities had initiated legal procedures to determine responsibility for the accident.

According to eyewitness accounts, a speedboat carrying eight passengers departed from the Gorokghata jetty shortly before noon, heading towards Cox’s Bazar town. Among the passengers were three tourists. As the vessel reached the mouth of the Hamidia Canal, its engine suddenly stopped. The driver, identified as a young man named Manjur, reportedly halted the boat and began inspecting the propeller to check whether fishing nets or debris had become entangled.

While the boat was stationary, another speedboat travelling at high speed from Cox’s Bazar towards Maheshkhali rammed into it with considerable force. The impact threw several passengers, including Nur Nahar, into the water. Nearby trawlers and other speedboats rushed to the scene, and their crews assisted in rescuing those who had fallen into the channel.

Nur Nahar sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital in a severely distressed condition. Doctors on duty later pronounced her dead. Several other passengers were treated for injuries, although none were reported to be in life-threatening condition at the time of writing.

Passengers from both vessels alleged serious lapses in safety. It was claimed that the speedboat involved in the breakdown was operating without life jackets for passengers, a basic safety requirement for water transport. There were also allegations that the driver, Manjur, lacked adequate training and experience to operate a speedboat safely. Following the collision, he reportedly fled the scene, prompting further concern and anger among passengers and locals.

UNO Imran Mahmud stated that Nur Nahar had been travelling alone, which delayed the process of identifying her and notifying her family. Her relatives later arrived at the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue in the evening after being informed. The administration has assured that a proper investigation will be conducted and that legal action will be taken against those found responsible.

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the frequent safety violations on the Cox’s Bazar–Maheshkhali sea route, where speedboats are widely used for quick transport by locals and tourists alike. Residents and regular passengers have long complained about reckless speeding, unlicensed operators and the absence of essential safety equipment, calling for stricter monitoring and enforcement to prevent further loss of life.

Key Details of the Incident

The incident has left the local community in mourning and renewed demands for improved maritime safety measures across coastal Bangladesh.