COX’S BAZAR, Aug 02 (V7N) — A tourist died after falling into the sea while parasailing at Darianagar beach in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday afternoon, raising renewed concerns over safety standards and monitoring of adventure activities at the country’s popular tourist destination.
The deceased was identified as Shouvik Roy, son of Shekhar Roy from Baniakhomar area of Khulna Sadar. He was visiting Cox’s Bazar with a nine-member family group.
According to eyewitnesses, Shouvik fell into the sea after losing connection with the safety harness during a parasailing ride.
He was rescued by Sea Sports Parasailing authorities and taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The incident has sparked fresh criticism over the safety measures, supervision and accountability of parasailing operators in Cox’s Bazar. Local residents and tourism stakeholders have raised concerns over repeated accidents despite previous warnings and temporary suspensions of operations.
In previous years, several tourists were injured in parasailing accidents in the same area. Authorities had earlier suspended operations following incidents involving safety violations and equipment-related concerns.
Locals alleged that some operators lack adequate safety equipment, trained personnel and proper rescue arrangements. They also called for stricter monitoring and technical assessments before allowing such activities to continue.
Cox’s Bazar citizen activist H.M. Nazrul Islam urged the authorities to introduce clear safety guidelines, conduct technical evaluations by experienced professionals, and ensure strict enforcement before resuming parasailing operations.
He said adventure tourism activities must not put visitors’ lives at risk and called for immediate measures to improve safety standards at coastal recreational sites.
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