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A fire broke out on a passenger vessel bound for St Martin’s Island in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners' Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), said the fire broke out on The Atlantic Cruise around 7:00 am while it was anchored at the BIWTA jetty in Nuniachhara in Cox’s Bazar district town.
However, no casualties were reported as there were no tourists on board at the time, according to a UNB report.
“Smoke was seen billowing from inside the vessel and, within a short span, flames became visible,” he said.
Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanjila Sharmin said the incident occurred in the presence of officials from the local administration, who were stationed at the jetty to monitor the boarding of tourists as per government directives.
Upon receiving information, a firefighting unit rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze.
The vessel was completely damaged in the fire.
Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Cox’s Bazar Md Shahidul Alam said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.