Woman Killed in Speedboat Collision

A woman was killed and several others injured after a collision between two speedboats in the coastal waters of Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, highlighting once again the persistent safety lapses in Bangladesh’s busy inland and coastal waterways.

The fatal incident occurred at approximately 12:15 pm on Monday (26 January) near the mouth of the Gorakghata Hamidia canal, an important channel connecting Maheshkhali with Cox’s Bazar town. The deceased woman was later identified as Nur Nahar, a resident of Samiraghona village under Kalarmarchhara Union in Maheshkhali upazila.

The matter was confirmed by Maheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imran Mahmud, who said the local administration had begun legal proceedings to determine responsibility for the accident.

According to eyewitnesses and passengers, a speedboat carrying eight passengers departed from the Gorakghata jetty shortly before noon, heading towards Cox’s Bazar. Among those on board were three tourists. As the vessel reached the mouth of the Hamidia canal in the sea channel, its engine suddenly stalled. The driver, identified as Manjur, stopped the boat and began inspecting the propeller to check whether fishing nets or debris had become entangled.

While the speedboat remained stationary, another speedboat travelling at high speed from Cox’s Bazar towards Maheshkhali rammed into it forcefully. The impact threw several passengers, including Nur Nahar, into the water. Nearby fishermen, along with passengers from surrounding trawlers and speedboats, rushed to the scene and rescued those who had fallen into the sea.

Nur Nahar was found in critical condition and was immediately taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. Despite emergency treatment, doctors declared her dead upon arrival. Several other passengers sustained injuries, although none were reported to be in life-threatening condition.

Passengers from the other speedboat alleged serious safety violations on the part of the damaged vessel. They claimed that no life jackets were available for passengers, despite the boat operating in open and tidal waters. It was also alleged that the boat was being operated by an inexperienced young driver. Following the collision, the driver reportedly fled the scene, further fuelling concerns over accountability and enforcement.

UNO Imran Mahmud stated that Nur Nahar had been travelling alone, which delayed the identification process. Her family members were informed later in the day and arrived at the hospital morgue in the evening. “This is a tragic incident. Necessary legal steps are being taken, and responsibility will be fixed after a proper investigation,” he said.

Local residents and regular commuters have long complained about reckless speeding, lack of trained operators, and poor enforcement of safety regulations on speedboats operating between Maheshkhali and Cox’s Bazar. The route is heavily used by both locals and tourists, yet basic safety measures such as life jackets, speed limits, and fitness checks are often ignored.

The incident has renewed calls for stricter monitoring of water transport, mandatory safety equipment for all passengers, and proper licensing and training for speedboat operators to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Key Facts of the Incident

The fatal collision serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of negligence on the waterways and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety reforms in coastal transport.