Mongla, Jan 05 (V7N)- The Bangladesh Coast Guard has rescued 44 domestic and foreign tourists after a tourist vessel capsized in the Karamjal area of the Sundarbans.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq confirmed the incident on Sunday (January 4) afternoon.

According to the Coast Guard, a tourist vessel named Pirates Sundarbans departed from Khulna last Thursday carrying 44 tourists on a trip to the Sundarbans. At around 10:30 pm on Saturday, the vessel collided with a bulkhead, causing part of the ship to be damaged and allowing water to enter rapidly.

One of the tourists on board immediately informed the Coast Guard. Acting on the information, two rescue teams from Coast Guard Base Mongla and Coast Guard Station Herbaria rushed to the scene using speed boats.

The Coast Guard successfully rescued 24 tourists, including two Chinese nationals, women, and children, and brought them safely to Coast Guard Base Mongla.

Meanwhile, the Naval Police rescued the remaining 20 tourists.

All rescued passengers are reported to be safe, and further investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

END/SMA/AJ