Mother, daughter die as speedboat sinks off Saint Martin’s Coast

A mother and her young daughter died after a passenger speedboat sank on its way from Saint Martin’s Island to Teknaf on Monday afternoon.

The accident occurred around 11:00 am near the Gholarchar area, north of Saint Martin’s Island.

The deceased were identified as Mariam Akter and her daughter Mahima Akter, residents of the island’s Purba Para, confirmed Abu Zayed Md Noor, inspector of Teknaf Police Station.

 “Both victims were brought to Teknaf Upazila Health Complex, where on-duty doctors declared them dead,” the inspector said.

According to the Coast Guard, the speedboat left Saint Martin’s around 10:00 am with 10 passengers on board, accompanied by another speedboat.

As the two vessels reached Gholarchar, strong waves hit one of the boats, causing it to capsize. The accompanying boat rescued the passengers and transported them to Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf.

Locals claimed that the accident occurred due to the overloading of passengers on the speedboat.