Missing New Zealand teenager remains untraced after boat breaks apart off Cox’s Bazar

A 16-year-old New Zealand boy remains missing more than 24 hours after a boat carrying his family broke apart in rough seas off Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday.

The family’s boat, Island Girl, broke into two pieces after being hit by strong waves and currents near Nazirartek Point on Tuesday morning.

Four members of the family fell into the sea. Three were rescued alive, but the teenager, Albert, remains missing as of Wednesday afternoon.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard, Navy and local fishermen have been searching for him since Tuesday.

The Island Girl entered the sea after crossing the mouth of the Maheshkhali Channel on Tuesday morning. Shortly afterwards, the boat came under strong waves and currents and eventually broke apart.

Those on board were 74-year-old John Edward Pudney, his 36-year-old wife Bella, and their two sons, 13-year-old Ralph and 16-year-old Albert. Local fishermen and residents rescued John, Bella and Ralph.

After the rescue, Ralph said he and his father were on the deck when the waves hit the boat, while his mother was under a tarpaulin trying to put a life jacket on Albert. The boat suddenly broke apart, throwing them into the water.

Albert’s life-jacket clip may not have been properly fastened, according to the family. He also did not know how to swim.

The Island Girl took nearly two years to build at a dock in SM Para, Cox’s Bazar, at a cost of more than Tk 10 million.

The boat was equipped for long-term living, including an air-conditioned room, kitchen and refrigerator. The family had reportedly been living on the boat for around two and a half years while travelling through the country’s rivers and coastal areas.

Before heading out to sea, the boat had been anchored in Nuniyachhara on the Bakkhali River, opposite a BIWTA jetty. The family was reportedly travelling towards Chattogram to extend their visas.

Syed Mohammad Morshed Hossain, deputy assistant director of Cox’s Bazar Fire Service and Civil Defence, said the three rescued family members received first aid.

He said the initial search was hampered because the local fire service unit did not have a diving team. Coast Guard and Navy vessels later joined the search, while local fishermen continued looking in nearby waters.

Parts of the damaged boat were also brought ashore with the help of local boats.

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