Tourist Dies After Falling From Parasailing Ride in Cox’s Bazar

A tourist died after reportedly falling into the sea while parasailing at the Dariyanagar point of Cox’s Bazar on Saturday, raising fresh concerns about safety standards and supervision at the popular tourist attraction.

The deceased was identified as Akshar Souvik Roy, 31, from Baniakhamar in Khulna. He had traveled to Cox’s Bazar with friends for a vacation.

According to local sources, Roy fell into the sea while he was airborne during a parasailing ride at around noon on Saturday. People from the operator and nearby area rescued him and took him to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital Resident Medical Officer Dr. Mohammad Sohel said the tourist was brought to the hospital at around 2:30pm in critical condition. Doctors examined him and found that he had died before reaching the hospital.

“Initial indications suggest drowning, but the exact cause of death can be confirmed after receiving the autopsy report,” he said.

A fellow traveler who was with Roy alleged that the parasailing operator did not have adequate emergency rescue arrangements. According to the traveler, a speedboat was eventually used to recover Roy from the water.

The traveler also alleged that the operator did not have the required authorization. This claim could not be independently verified.

Local residents alleged that the parasailing operation had previously faced accidents and concerns over inadequate safety barriers and supervision. They called for an investigation into the equipment, safety arrangements and regulatory oversight of such recreational activities.

District administration Executive Magistrate Mahmudul Hasan said authorities responded quickly after the accident and sent the body to the district hospital. The body is being kept in the hospital morgue and will be handed over to the family after completion of legal procedures.

Several local sources also alleged that the parasailing operation at Dariyanagar, reportedly owned by Md. Farid, had been involved in previous accidents. They further claimed that authorities had previously ordered the ride to be suspended over safety and technical concerns, but that it later resumed.

These allegations have not been independently verified. Authorities are expected to determine whether the operator had valid permission and whether safety regulations were followed.

The death has renewed calls for stricter oversight of adventure tourism activities in Cox’s Bazar, including mandatory safety equipment, trained operators, emergency rescue arrangements and regular inspections.