Fire Breaks Out Aboard Moored Luxury Launch

A minor fire broke out aboard a luxury passenger vessel anchored on the Kirtankhola River in Barishal, briefly causing panic but resulting in no casualties, according to officials.

The incident occurred at around 8:00pm on Wednesday (1 April) on the MV Kirtankhola-10, which was moored near Char Monai under Barishal Sadar upazila, close to a major religious gathering area. The vessel was reportedly carrying passengers who had travelled from Dhaka to attend the Char Monai religious congregation and was anchored alongside several other launches awaiting the conclusion of the event.

Fire originates in locked cabin

According to witnesses and crew members, smoke was first seen emerging from cabin number 325 on the third deck of the vessel. Staff members rushed to the scene but found the cabin locked from inside.

In an emergency response, they broke the window glass to gain access and used water to extinguish the flames before they could spread further. Their swift action prevented what could have been a far more serious incident.

No passengers or crew were inside the cabin at the time, and no injuries were reported.

Suspected electrical fault or unattended flame

Preliminary assessments suggest that the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit. However, crew members also speculated that the blaze could have been triggered by a mosquito coil or another small unattended flame left burning inside the cabin.

Staff stated that the vessel had been operating on a reserved basis for pilgrims attending the Char Monai religious gathering, and passengers frequently moved in and out of their assigned cabins during the stopover period.

It is believed that those who previously occupied cabin 325 may have left behind a lit mosquito coil or similar source of ignition before leaving the cabin unattended.

Damage confined to single cabin

The fire was quickly contained and did not spread beyond cabin 325. However, the interior suffered significant damage.

Reported damage

According to launch staff, the rapid response prevented the fire from escalating into a major disaster involving multiple cabins or decks.

Operator confirms swift response prevented disaster

Managing official of the vessel, Bellal Hossain, confirmed that the situation could have turned serious if not for the vigilance of the crew.

He stated that staff noticed the smoke early and immediately moved to the third deck, where they broke the glass of cabin 325 and extinguished the fire using water. He emphasised that the absence of passengers inside the cabin at the time was a key factor in preventing injuries.

He added that only one cabin was affected and the rest of the vessel remained fully intact and operational.

Vessel anchored for religious gathering

The MV Kirtankhola-10 had travelled from Dhaka carrying devotees attending the Char Monai religious gathering. Upon arrival in Barishal, it was anchored in the Kirtankhola River alongside other passenger launches designated for the same purpose.

As the vessel was reserved for pilgrims, it was expected to remain stationed until the conclusion of the religious event, with passengers occasionally accessing their cabins during the stay.

Investigation and uncertainty over cause

While initial indications point towards an electrical fault, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire. Crew members have suggested that unattended mosquito coils or similar open flames may also have played a role, but this remains speculative.

Officials noted that only passengers who had recently occupied the affected cabin would be able to provide more precise information about what may have been left inside prior to the incident.

Further inspection and inquiry are expected to determine the definitive cause of the fire.

No disruption to overall operations

Despite the incident, launch operations in the area were not significantly disrupted. Other vessels anchored nearby remained unaffected, and normal activities continued after the fire was brought under control.

Authorities have urged caution regarding the use of open flames and electrical devices inside enclosed passenger cabins, particularly during long stopovers and crowded religious gatherings, where safety risks may be heightened.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of onboard fire safety measures, especially in heavily