On the morning of 27 December, a fire broke out on the 30-meter passenger ferry Atlantic Cruise in Nuniachhara, Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) in the Bay of Bengal.
According to initial reports, the fire started in the engine room as the vessel was attempting to berth at the pier to take passengers for a scheduled voyage to St. Martin’s Island. The flames spread rapidly through the ferry, destroying part of the superstructure.
Local fire services, supported by the Bangladesh Navy, responded to the incident. Reports indicate that even after several hours, the fire had not been fully brought under control.
There were no tourists onboard at the time of the incident, although around 200 passengers were reportedly waiting to board before the fire started. Sadly, one crew member was found dead. The individual was reportedly asleep in a cabin when the fire began and was unable to escape.
Authorities said the incident is under investigation.
