Tourist dies after falling into sea as parasailing rope snaps in Cox's Bazar

A tourist died after falling into the sea while parasailing at Cox's Bazar beach today (1 August), in an incident that has once again raised questions about the safety of commercial parasailing operations in the coastal resort town.

The deceased was identified as Shouvik Roy, who had travelled to beach with a nine-member group from Khulna.

Cox's Bazar Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Mohammad Ali confirmed the death to The Business Standard, saying police had inspected the scene and launched an inquiry into the incident.

He added that the victim's body is at the morgue of Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital.

The accident occurred around noon at Darianagar area along Marine Drive, where the group had gone parasailing.

Mahbub Alam, a beach worker of the Cox's Bazar district administration, told The Business Standard that the rope attached to the parasailing equipment snapped during the ride, causing Shouvik to fall into the sea.

"He was rescued and taken to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead," he said, adding that the group had been staying at Ocean View Paradise Hotel at Kolatoli.

According to local sources, at least 10 tourists have been injured in separate incidents involving the same operator over the past two years.

There have also been longstanding allegations that some operators lack adequate training and fail to comply with safety conditions set by the authorities.

Following a series of accidents in early 2024, the district administration temporarily suspended parasailing operations over safety concerns.

However, the ban was lifted about a month later. Another tourist was reportedly injured during a parasailing ride at the same facility in April this year, renewing concerns about enforcement of safety standards.