A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has turned the sea at Cox's Bazar violently rough, prompting authorities to hoist red warning flags. Despite maritime warning signal number 3 and strict bans on sea bathing hundreds of tourists are recklessly braving massive waves and strong currents, sparking fears of imminent tragedy.
At popular spots like Laboni, Sugandha and Kalatali visitors are seen ignoring the whistles of lifeguards and tourist police often venturing into deep waters to bathe or take selfies with children. The rough tide has created invisible deep trenches and dangerous rip currents capable of dragging swimmers out to sea in seconds.
"The situation is extremely dangerous. We are constantly blowing whistles and miking but many are ignoring the warnings" said sea lifeguard Abdullah.
Over the past year at least 16 tourists have drowned at the beach, mostly due to ignoring safety protocols. While some tourists admitted they underestimated the danger others cited a lack of communication. Nusrat Jahan, a visitor from Khulna suggested that installing large digital warning displays would improve public awareness.
Authorities are struggling to manage the defiant crowds. Additional Superintendent of Tourist Police Md. Ajmal Hossain stated that officers are patrolling 24 hours a day to pull people out of the water.
District Magistrate Md. A. Mannan and Executive Magistrate Manju Bin Afnan emphasized that tourist safety remains the top priority. "Legal action will be taken if anyone violates these critical safety instructions," Afnan warned. Authorities urge all visitors to stay out of the water until the weather normalizes to prevent further loss of life.
