A tourist has died after falling unconscious while bathing in the swimming pool of a five-star hotel in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon at Hotel Bay Watch, located near Inani Beach along the Marine Drive area. The man had entered the pool with his family members during their holiday trip.
The deceased was identified as Miraj Ahmed, 38, a resident of Munshiganj. According to police, initial indications suggest that he may have died after suffering a cardiac arrest. However, authorities followed the necessary procedures after the incident, while the family members provided information regarding his medical history.
Witnesses said Miraj became unconscious shortly after entering the swimming pool. Hotel staff and others present at the scene immediately rescued him and rushed him to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite efforts by doctors, he was declared dead after arrival.
Hotel authorities said Miraj had travelled to Cox’s Bazar from Munshiganj on Monday with his wife and children for a two-day holiday. The family checked into Hotel Bay Watch in Inani and planned to spend time enjoying the facilities of the resort. On Tuesday at around 3pm, Miraj went to the hotel’s swimming pool with his family members. A short while later, he suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness.
After being alerted, hotel employees quickly took steps to provide assistance and arranged for his transfer to the hospital. The incident left his family members and other tourists at the hotel shocked.
Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Atikur Rahman Majumder said that Miraj appeared to have suffered a cardiac arrest while swimming, which caused him to lose consciousness. Police said discussions with his family revealed that he had a previous history of heart-related illness.
An unnatural death case has been filed at Ukhiya Police Station in connection with the incident. Following the family’s request and completion of the required legal procedures, authorities handed over the body to his relatives without conducting a post-mortem examination.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of safety measures at hotel swimming pools, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Cox’s Bazar. The coastal district attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year, with many hotels and resorts offering swimming facilities as part of their services.
While swimming pools remain a major attraction for holidaymakers, medical experts often advise people with existing health conditions, especially heart-related complications, to take precautions before engaging in strenuous activities. The sudden death of the tourist has also highlighted the need for quick emergency response systems and adequate safety arrangements at tourist accommodation facilities.
Cox’s Bazar remains one of Bangladesh’s most visited travel destinations, and incidents involving visitors often raise questions about emergency preparedness in hotels and resorts. The authorities and tourism-related businesses continue to emphasise the importance of maintaining proper safety standards to ensure a secure environment for travellers.
