Body of Missing Female Military Pilot Riana Recovered from Sundarbans

he body of Riana Abjal (28), a female tourist who went missing after a jaliboat capsized in the Sundarbans, was recovered on Monday morning from the Joymoni Ghol area of the Passur River. Bangladesh Coast Guard confirmed the recovery.

Coast Guard media officer Lt Commander Siam-ul-Haque said search operations involving Coast Guard, Navy Police, and Forest Department had been ongoing since November 8 (Saturday).

On Saturday around 12:00pm, Riana and her family left the "Mangrove Valley" resort in the Dhangmari area after an overnight stay. They were heading to Mongla in a boat. Near the junction of Dhangmari canal and Passur River, the boat capsized due to strong waves. All passengers fell into the water. Some swam to safety, while others were rescued by locals. But Riana Abjal (28) remained missing. She was a pilot in the Bangladesh Air Force and later moved to the United States.

"After three days of continuous search, we recovered the missing tourist's body floating near Mongla's Shailo jetty around 7:00am Monday," he added.

He further said, "Bangladesh Coast Guard will continue such operations to ensure tourist safety and risk-free travel." The body was handed over to Chandpai Navy Police.

Chandpai Navy Police Station's In-Charge Akram Hossain said, "Since Saturday afternoon, teams from the Forest Department, Navy Police, and Coast Guard were searching in groups. Today, Monday morning, the Coast Guard recovered the body floating in the Joymoni Shailo area. After legal procedures, pilot Riana's body will be handed over to her family."