Tawhidul Islam, Cox's Bazar

A New Zealand family’s dream of sailing around the world ended in devastating tragedy after their custom-built recreational boat sank off the coast of Cox's Bazar, taking the life of their 16-year-old son, Albert.

John Edward, his wife Bella, 36, and their 13-year-old son Ralph are returning home to New Zealand by air after spending over a month and a half under government supervision in Bangladesh while resolving emergency travel arrangements, expired visas, and lost documents.

The family arrived in Bangladesh on tourist visas in 2024 to undertake a global voyage by sea. They spent two years living locally and invested over Tk 1 crore to construct a modern, twin-hulled wooden vessel named Island Girl in Cox’s Bazar, complete with air-conditioned living quarters and personal amenities.

However, the expedition faced severe obstacles. Authorities and the Bangladesh Coast Guard had previously issued safety warnings and discouraged the trip due to security risks and expired passports. In April, the family also survived a robbery attack by miscreants at Sonadia Char before being rescued by the Coast Guard.

Tragedy struck on August 25 near the mouth of the Bakkhali River at Nazirartek when powerful sea waves tore the joint structure of the twin-hulled vessel apart, causing both sections to sink within minutes. While three family members were rescued alive, Albert went missing. His body was recovered the following day, and his last rites were performed at a local cremation ground in the presence of police following embassy authorization.

Assisted by the Cox’s Bazar District Administration at Motel Shaibal and the New Zealand Embassy in Sri Lanka, the surviving family members have completed their legal procedures to fly home—leaving behind the submerged wreckage of Island Girl in the Bakkhali River and the remains of their teenage son.