Missing Tourist Found Dead After 21-Hour Search

The body of a young tourist who went missing while swimming at Inani Beach in Cox’s Bazar has been recovered around 21 hours after he was swept away by strong waves.

The victim, 22-year-old Mohammad Sayem, son of Mohammad Iqbal from Hathazari in Chattogram, disappeared at approximately 12:30 pm on Saturday while bathing in the sea near the jetty area on the southern side of Inani Beach. His body was recovered by the Bangladesh Coast Guard at around 9:30 am on Sunday after it was spotted floating in the Reju Khal area of Ukhiya.

According to Sayem’s friend, Md Arman, the two had travelled from Bandarban to Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning before setting off on a motorcycle trip along the scenic Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf Marine Drive. During their journey, they stopped at Inani Beach and entered the sea for a swim near the jetty, close to the Palanki Restaurant.

Arman said that a powerful wave suddenly struck them, dragging Sayem into deeper water. While Arman managed to make it back to shore, Sayem was swept away by the current. He added that the stretch of beach where the incident occurred was relatively isolated, with no visible presence of lifeguards, police officers or large crowds at the time.

After raising the alarm, local residents rushed to the scene. Fishermen, beach workers and later a unit of the Fire Service joined the search operation. Despite hours of efforts throughout Saturday, rescuers were unable to locate the missing tourist before nightfall.

Inspector Gazi Ataur Rahman of the Inani Tourist Police confirmed that the two friends had arrived in Cox’s Bazar from Bandarban earlier that day and later went swimming at the jetty area of Inani Beach. He said Sayem went missing after being caught in the rough sea, while his companion survived.

Belal Uddin, who oversees the district administration’s beach workers in Cox’s Bazar, said the search resumed early on Sunday with the participation of the Coast Guard, Tourist Police and Fire Service personnel. The operation took a tragic turn when reports emerged that a body had been seen floating in Reju Khal. Rescue teams immediately responded, and Sayem’s father later identified the body at the scene.

The body has since been sent to the morgue at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for the necessary legal procedures.

The incident highlights the risks associated with swimming in open waters, particularly in areas where strong currents and sudden waves can develop without warning. Authorities regularly advise visitors to remain within designated safe zones, follow beach safety instructions and avoid entering the sea in locations where lifeguard services are unavailable. Rescue officials also stress that weather and tidal conditions can change rapidly along the Cox’s Bazar coastline, making caution essential for all visitors.