Tourist Killed in Parasailing Accident at Cox's Bazar Beach

A 31-year-old tourist died after slipping from a safety harness and falling into the deep sea while parasailing at Darianagar point on Cox's Bazar sea beach on Saturday afternoon.

The deceased was identified as Akshar Shouvik Roy (31), a resident of the Khulna Sadar area, who had arrived in Cox's Bazar on Saturday morning accompanied by nine friends.

According to police and local sources, Shouvik participated in a parasailing ride operated by a local agency at Darianagar beach at around 2:00 PM on Saturday (August 1). Shortly after ascending into the air, he detached from the safety harness and plunged into the deep sea. Primary indications suggest the accident may have occurred due to technical malfunction or adverse weather conditions, though authorities noted that the exact cause will be verified following a full investigation.

Following the fall, workers from the parasailing establishment and local lifeguards launched a rescue operation, pulled Shouvik from the water, and rushed him to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, where attending physicians declared him dead.

Dr. Subakta-gin Mohammad Sohel, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) at Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, stated that the victim was brought to the hospital at 2:10 PM but had died before arrival. "It is initially suspected that the death was caused by the severe impact of hitting the water from a high altitude followed by drowning. However, the definitive cause of death will be confirmed after receiving the autopsy report," he said. The body is currently kept in the hospital morgue.

The incident sparked anger among tourists and local residents, who alleged that several parasailing points in the Darianagar area fail to maintain adequate safety standards. They pointed out that similar accidents leading to tourist injuries have taken place in the past, accusing operators of commercially running high-risk rides without enforcing mandatory safety compliance.

Confirming the matter, Executive Magistrate Mahmudul Hasan of the district administration's tourism cell stated that an administrative team inspected the site and visited the hospital, adding that formal legal procedures are currently underway.

Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan stated that the district administration is treating the tourist's death with utmost seriousness. "An investigation has been ordered to uncover the true cause of the accident. If any evidence of negligence or carelessness is found, strict legal action will be taken against the concerned agency," he warned.