KHULNA, Sept 13, 2025 (BSS) - A 16-year-old tourist went missing after being swept away by strong currents while swimming in the sea near Dimer Char, close to Kochikhali in the Eastern Sundarbans, early Saturday.

The missing tourist, Mahit Abdullah, a resident of Shekhertek in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, had been on a tour with his parents aboard the vessel MV The Explorer, which was carrying 75 tourists from the capital.

Md. Mizanur Rahman, Acting Officer (Forester) of the Kochikhali Wildlife Sanctuary under the Sharankhola Range, confirmed that the incident occurred around 1:30 am, shortly after the vessel anchored near Dimer Char. The tourists had disembarked to explore the area, and Mahit entered the water with his father, Sheikh Sultan Mahmud Asad, and his mother for a recreational swim.

"While bathing, Mahit was suddenly swept away by a strong current," said Mizanur Rahman. "Despite immediate rescue attempts by the ship's crew and forest rangers, he disappeared beneath the waves and could not be located."

Search and rescue efforts were launched promptly, with forest guards, the Coast Guard, and the Navy joining in the operation. As of Saturday evening, the search continued with no success.

Talking to BSS, Nazmul Azam David, General Secretary of the Tour Operators of the Sundarbans Association (TOAS), said MV The Explorer had departed Dhaka on Friday evening and was scheduled to return to Khulna by Sunday night.

David confirmed that the vessel operator sought urgent assistance from the Navy base in Mongla. "We're working closely with authorities to support the family and aid the ongoing rescue operation," he added.

Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Sundarbans Division in Bagerhat, said search operations were being conducted using speedboats, and coordinated efforts were ongoing with the Navy and Coast Guard.

He confirmed that rescue teams had continued combing the sea area near Dimer Char until dusk and would resume at first light if necessary.