Fire Breaks Out on Passenger Vessel in Cox’s Bazar on 27th December Raising New Travel Safety Concerns in Bangladesh

Published on December 27, 2025

A fire broke out on the passenger ship heading for St Martin’s Island, named The Atlantic Cruise, at Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning (December 27, 2025). The ship was anchored at the BIWTA Jetty at Nuniachhara, a part of Cox’s Bazar district town, at about 7 am when the incident happened. This has been established that the fire broke out when the ship was docked, unlike circumstances during other major fires, where it was in service. There were no tourists on board, which resulted in no reported casualties.

Rapid Fire Spread and Swift Response

Smoke was seen billowing from inside the vessel, and within minutes, flames became visible, rapidly engulfing the ship. The fire occurred in the presence of local authorities, including the Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Tanjila Sharmin, who confirmed that the authorities were stationed at the jetty to monitor the boarding process for tourists, as per government directives.

Upon receiving reports of the fire, a firefighting unit immediately responded to the scene. The unit worked quickly to extinguish the flames, but by the time the fire was brought under control, the vessel had sustained severe damage and was completely destroyed by the blaze.

No Casualties or Tourists Aboard at the Time

Thankfully, there were no tourists on the ship at the time of the fire, which prevented potential loss of life or injuries. Hossain Islam Bahadur assured that there were no casualties, noting that the fire broke out during a time when no passengers were present on the vessel.

Investigation Underway to Determine the Cause of the Fire

In response to the incident, Md Shahidul Alam, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Cox’s Bazar, stated that an official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. The local authorities have begun examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and are working with experts to assess whether any mechanical or electrical failures contributed to the blaze.

Future Travel Safety Impact: Strengthening Regulations and Preventing Accidents

While the incident on The Atlantic Cruise vessel was unfortunate, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of travel safety regulations in the tourism industry, particularly for passenger vessels in tourism hotspots like Cox’s Bazar and St Martin’s Island. The future safety impact of this event will likely lead to a reassessment of safety protocols for vessels in Bangladesh’s rapidly growing tourism sector.

Following the fire, it is expected that local authorities will implement stricter fire safety regulations and inspection procedures for all vessels operating in the Cox’s Bazar region. This includes enhancing regular maintenance checks, reinforcing safety equipment standards, and ensuring that tourist vessels adhere to global safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The introduction of safety standards aligned with international best practices will be vital to restoring confidence in the tourism sector, particularly for international visitors who may have concerns about safety. By addressing safety gaps, the industry can continue to grow while protecting both tourists and staff on these vessels.

Enhancing Safety Infrastructure for Future Tourism Growth

As Bangladesh continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, the need for a comprehensive safety framework for passenger vessels will become increasingly important. The government, in collaboration with tourism and maritime safety experts, will likely introduce training programs for tour operators, crew members, and local authorities to ensure that all stakeholders are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to handle emergencies effectively.

In addition, improving communications systems and emergency response protocols will be essential to addressing future challenges. The establishment of clearer tourism safety guidelines and more rigorous oversight of tourism services will ensure that the sector evolves in a safe and responsible manner.

Future Impact on Bangladesh’s Tourism Industry

The future tourism impact of this incident will likely foster better safety practices within Bangladesh’s tourism infrastructure, contributing to the long-term development of the industry. Cox’s Bazar, one of the country’s premier tourist destinations, will benefit from improved safety standards that could further enhance its appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

As more tourists flock to St Martin’s Island, Cox’s Bazar, and other destinations in the region, safety improvements will ensure that tourism growth remains sustainable and resilient, benefiting local communities while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Ensuring Future Safety in Bangladesh’s Growing Tourism Industry

The fire incident on the passenger vessel is a crucial warning call for the tourism sector in Bangladesh to ensure safety in the development process. As the number of tourists continues to rise in the future, ensuring safe standards are in place will be a crucial step towards a safe environment for tourists. By being more proactive about improving safety standards as well as tourism infrastructure, Bangladesh can ensure that not only does it have a growing tourism sector, but that it is a growing sector that puts a premium on the safety and well-being of tourists.