Cox’s Bazar, Sept 26 (V7N) – Five young tourists from Lakshmipur narrowly escaped drowning after being swept away by powerful currents at Inani Beach on Friday morning. Their lives were saved by the quick and courageous actions of lifeguard Mohammad Belal Uddin, who rushed to the scene with a boat and pulled them back to safety.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. when the group of five entered a dangerous zone of the beach to swim. Within moments, the strong undercurrent dragged them into deeper waters. On duty at the time, lifeguard Belal Uddin immediately responded, rowing out against the tide and risking his life to rescue each of the five one by one.

The rescued tourists were identified as Mizan (18), Hasan (17), Sohan (18), Arman (20), and Robiul (19), all from Lakshmipur Sadar. Two of them, Mizan and Sohan, became ill after swallowing seawater and were rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors confirmed they were stabilized and later returned to Cox’s Bazar town.

“I was standing on the beach, observing the swimmers. Suddenly, I saw five of them trapped in the current. Without wasting time, I took a boat and rushed to them. The current was extremely strong, but by the grace of Allah, I managed to bring everyone back alive,” Belal Uddin told reporters. He confirmed that the incident had been reported to the district administration.

Officials of Sea-Safe Lifeguard, the private security company responsible for beach safety, said that at least 14 tourists have died so far this year at different points of Cox’s Bazar Beach after being swept away while swimming. Safety experts note that most of these accidents occur due to negligence—particularly when visitors ignore warning flags and swim outside designated safe zones.

In response, local authorities have once again issued warnings urging tourists to strictly follow beach safety guidelines and avoid swimming in restricted areas.

Ukhia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Kamrul Islam Chowdhury expressed relief over the successful rescue, saying: “Although the five tourists at Inani Beach faced a life-threatening situation, they were saved due to the lifeguard’s bravery. From the administration, we are taking steps to further strengthen safety measures along the coastline to prevent such accidents in the future.”

Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s longest natural sea beach, attracts millions of domestic and foreign tourists each year. However, experts stress that ensuring safety awareness among visitors remains one of the most urgent challenges for sustainable tourism in the region.

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