Kaptai Lake Boat Capsizes, 11 Rescued

A passenger boat capsized in Kaptai Lake in Rangamati Sadar Upazila, with all 11 occupants, including a pregnant woman, rescued by security forces.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 7:45 pm in the Killa Pahar area of Ward No. 2 under Balukhali Union. According to the Upazila administration, the vessel was carrying 11 passengers who were returning home after attending the Baishuk festival, the principal celebration of the Tripura community.

Officials stated that the passengers had gathered on one side of the boat during the journey. This uneven distribution caused the vessel to tilt, after which water began entering from the opposite side. The boat subsequently capsized and sank in the lake.

The location of the incident was reported to be approximately 300 to 400 metres from the Rajmonipara Army Camp under the Juraschari zone. A member of the camp on duty observed the incident and promptly informed the camp commander. Following this, additional security personnel deployed a boat and proceeded to the site, where they conducted a rescue operation and recovered all 11 passengers safely.

The administration confirmed that the passengers included men, women and children, all of whom were members of the Tripura community from the Killapara area of the upazila. Among the passengers was a pregnant woman, who was immediately referred for advanced medical treatment following rescue. The remaining individuals were provided necessary assistance before being handed over safely to their relatives.

Rangamati Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Kamrul Hossain confirmed the incident, stating that a trawler capsized while the passengers were returning home after a festival. He further confirmed that all individuals on board were rescued successfully following the swift response of the security forces.

A local representative of Ward No. 2 of Balukhali Union Parishad, Biploob Tripura, told reporters that one injured individual was receiving treatment at Rangamati General Hospital. He also confirmed that all passengers belonged to the Tripura community and were residents of the Killapara area.

Incident details

Authorities confirmed that the rapid response from nearby security personnel enabled the timely rescue of all passengers. The vessel’s instability, caused by uneven passenger distribution, was identified as the immediate factor leading to the capsizing.