A 16-year-old New Zealand national was found deceased off the coast of Bangladesh following the sinking of his family’s houseboat. The body of the teenager, identified by local authorities only as Albert, was discovered by residents on Cox’s Bazar Beach shortly after 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

The incident occurred after the houseboat, named Island Girl, broke apart and sank near Nazirartek Point Tuesday morning amid large waves and strong sea currents, according to local witnesses and fishermen. The vessel was located close to the estuary of the Moheshkhali Channel when it was struck by the adverse weather conditions.

Three other family members aboard the boat were rescued by fishermen and locals in the aftermath of the sinking and are currently believed to be staying in a nearby hotel. Authorities identified the survivors as Albert’s parents, John Edward, 74, and Bella, 36, along with his 13-year-old brother, Ralph.

Following the rescue of the three family members, emergency response teams including the Cox’s Bazar Fire Service, Civil Defence, and Coastguard conducted search operations to locate Albert. Despite these efforts, only his body was recovered.

The family had been living on the water near Cox’s Bazar for approximately two and a half years. They reportedly arrived in Bangladesh several years ago after travelling from New Zealand on their own boat, which was subsequently lost due to theft, according to local reports. At the time of the accident, they were en route to Chattogram to process visa extensions.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been approached for comment on the incident. Bangladeshi authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking and the loss of life.