A minor fire broke out aboard a luxury passenger vessel anchored on the Kirtankhola River in Barishal, causing brief alarm but resulting in no casualties, according to officials.
The incident occurred at around 8:00pm on Wednesday (1 April) aboard the MV Kirtankhola-10, which was moored near Char Monai in Barishal Sadar upazila. The vessel was stationed close to a major religious gathering site and was carrying passengers who had travelled from Dhaka to attend the Char Monai congregation. It was anchored alongside several other launches awaiting the conclusion of the event.
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Smoke detected from third-deck cabin
Crew members and witnesses reported that smoke was first noticed emerging from cabin number 325 on the vessel’s third deck. Staff immediately rushed to the location but discovered that the cabin was locked from the inside.
In a swift emergency response, crew members broke the cabin window to gain entry and used water to extinguish the fire before it could spread further. Their prompt action prevented what could have developed into a far more serious onboard emergency.
No passengers or crew were present inside the cabin at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported.
Possible electrical fault under investigation
Preliminary assessments suggest that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. However, crew members also believe that an unattended mosquito coil or another small open flame left behind by previous occupants could have caused the ignition.
The vessel had been operating on a reserved basis for pilgrims attending the Char Monai religious gathering, with passengers regularly accessing their cabins during the stopover period. It is suspected that something left burning or an electrical device may have been overlooked when the cabin was vacated.
Authorities have stressed that the exact cause has yet to be officially confirmed.
Damage limited to one cabin
The fire was quickly brought under control and remained confined to cabin 325. However, the interior of the cabin sustained considerable damage.
Reported damage assessment
| Category | Damage description |
|---|---|
| Cabin interior | Partial burning of fittings and fixtures |
| Furniture | Beds, mattresses and pillows destroyed |
| Electrical systems | Fan and wiring damaged |
| Passenger belongings | Luggage and personal items burnt |
| Adjacent cabins | No damage reported |
Crew members stated that the rapid intervention ensured the fire did not spread to adjoining cabins or other parts of the vessel.
Operator praises swift crew response
Managing official of the vessel, Bellal Hossain, said the situation could have escalated significantly had it not been for the alertness of the onboard staff.
He explained that crew members noticed the smoke early, rushed to the third deck, and broke the window of cabin 325 to extinguish the flames with water. He noted that the absence of occupants inside the cabin at the time played a crucial role in preventing injuries.
According to him, only one cabin was affected and the rest of the vessel remained fully intact and operational following the incident.
Vessel serving religious pilgrims
The MV Kirtankhola-10 had arrived in Barishal from Dhaka carrying devotees attending the Char Monai religious gathering. After arrival, it was anchored in the Kirtankhola River along with other passenger launches assigned to transport pilgrims.
As part of the arrangement, the vessel remained moored throughout the religious programme, with passengers intermittently using their reserved cabins during the stay.
Ongoing investigation into cause
While early indications point towards an electrical fault, authorities have not ruled out other possible causes, including unattended burning materials such as mosquito coils.
Crew members noted that only those who recently occupied cabin 325 could provide precise information about what may have been left behind prior to the incident.
A formal inspection and further inquiry are expected to establish the definitive cause of the fire.
Normal operations continue
Despite the incident, launch operations in the area were not significantly affected. Other vessels anchored nearby remained safe, and routine activities resumed shortly after the fire was extinguished.
Officials have urged passengers and operators to exercise greater caution with electrical appliances and open flames inside enclosed cabins, particularly during extended stopovers and crowded religious gatherings.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about onboard fire safety in river transport services, especially during high-traffic seasonal and religious events.