Boat capsize in Sundarbans: Ex-air force pilot's body recovered after three days

The body of a former Bangladesh Air Force pilot was recovered today, three days after she went missing following a boat capsize in the Pashur River in the Sundarbans.

The deceased was identified as Riyana Abzal, 28, who had moved to the United States, said Lt Commander Siam-ul-Hoque, media officer of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.

Originally from Barishal, she resided in Dhaka's Uttara.

A team of the Bangladesh Coast Guard recovered her body around 7:00am from the Mongla Silo Jetty area in Bagerhat, said Lt Commander Siam said.

"On November 8, a group of 14 tourists set out on a small wooden boat for a trip to Karamjal Eco-Tourism Centre in the Sundarbans. Around 1:00pm, when the boat reached the Dhangmari canal area, it lost control amid strong waves and capsized."

Thirteen tourists were rescued with the help of nearby boats, but Riyana could not be found, he added.

On information, two rescue teams from Coast Guard Base Mongla and Harbaria Station immediately rushed to the scene and began search operations.

After the body recovery today, Riyana's body was later handed over to the Chandpai Naval Police for necessary legal procedures.