RANGAMATI, Aug 17 (V7N) — A father drowned after managing to save his four-year-old son when their boat capsized during a sudden storm in Kaptai Lake in Langadu upazila of Rangamati.
The incident occurred at around 4pm on Sunday (Aug 16) in the No. 10 Bill area of Sonargaon under Gulshakhali Union.
According to local residents, Salim, 28, was returning home by boat from Maini Bazar with his four-year-old son when a sudden storm swept across the area. Strong waves developed in the water, causing the boat to overturn.
After the boat capsized, Salim held his son tightly and tried to keep both of them afloat. A nearby trawler rushed to the scene and managed to rescue the child from his father. However, amid the strong waves and rough weather, Salim went underwater before rescuers could reach him.
The child was later taken to Langadu Upazila Health Complex for treatment. Dr Nishat Jahan, the attending physician, said the boy had swallowed a considerable amount of water and initially developed physical complications. After receiving treatment, he is now in stable condition and out of danger.
Shafiqul Islam, chairman of Gulshakhali Union Parishad, said Salim was returning home with his son when the sudden storm caused the boat to sink. Although the child was rescued, Salim remained missing. Local residents and members of the Fire Service have been conducting efforts to locate him.
Langadu Fire Service said a diving team from Rangamati had been dispatched to the scene. The search and rescue operation for the missing man is expected to begin after the team arrives. Local residents have also been searching the waters of the bill.
The incident has left the local community deeply concerned as search efforts continue for Salim.
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