The parasailing company involved in the death of a tourist in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday had allegedly been operating without administrative approval and ignoring basic safety requirements, according to local authorities, witnesses and industry insiders.
Investigations by the district administration, along with accounts from eyewitnesses and parasailing operators, indicate that a series of safety violations by Fly Air Sea Sports Parasailing contributed to the fatal accident.
The company, owned by Mohammad Farid, has faced repeated allegations of negligence. Although authorities suspended its operations several times after previous incidents, it repeatedly resumed business. Officials said Farid and all staff are currently absconding.
Mahmudul Hasan Siam, executive magistrate of the district administration’s tourism cell, said parasailing activities had been suspended due to adverse weather, but Fly Air Sea Sports allegedly continued operating secretly. He noted that wind speeds were around 40 km/h on the day of the accident, double the permitted limit of 20 km/h.
Siam added that the victim, Shouvik Roy, weighing about 110kg, was allowed to participate despite exceeding the recommended maximum of 95kg. He was also not provided with a suitable life jacket. No rescue boat or jet ski was on standby, as required.
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Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan said the administration has not issued permission to any company to operate parasailing since 2025, adding that Fly Air Sea Sports had been operating without approval while ignoring minimum safety standards.
Industry sources said five parasailing operators currently operate in Cox’s Bazar. Fly Air Sea Sports, since starting in 2021, has been linked with at least 10 accidents, including a fatal speedboat collision in 2022.
Sohel Rana, a Malaysia-trained instructor, said international standards require suspension of activities when wind speeds exceed 20 km/h, weighing participants, providing properly fitted life jackets, and keeping a rescue jet ski on standby.
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Witness Mohammad Shimul said Shouvik fell into the sea shortly after take-off. The speedboat driver struggled against the current, and company staff swam from shore to rescue him. Shouvik’s life jacket was later found floating separately.
A video shows Shouvik was still alive when brought ashore. He was transported to hospital on a beach bike while rescuers attempted to expel water from his lungs.
Dr Suboktabin Sohel, residential medical officer at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, said drowning is suspected as the cause of death, pending post-mortem.
OC Sheikh Mohammad Ali of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Police Station said the victim’s family reached Cox's Bazar this morning and is preparing legal action.
