The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

At least 33 persons, including six children and 14 women, were killed yesterday when a motor launch capsized in the Buriganga River near Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge at Postagola in the city.

The death figures would be much higher, survivors said, adding that the launch-MV Shourav-1, which was carrying about 200 passengers more than double the capacity, capsized after a sand-laden cargo vessel collided with it from behind.

Divers of the Fire Service and Civil Defence launched rescue operation immediately after the tragedy to recover the bodies trapped inside the sunken launch.

Rescuers recovered 33 bodies till filing of this report last night from the ill-fated launch that was laying 20 feet under the water some 50 yards to the west of the Postagola Bridge in the capital.

Of the bodies recovered, 14 were women and six children. Police could identify 13 bodies so far. They are Kholi, Jarina, Lipi, Halali, Anawara, Noian, Kohinoor, Morzina, Jonab, Sohag, Arafat, Al-Hakim and Anwar Hossian.

Many family members of the victims were also engaged in searching for their near and dear ones on their own till late last night. They fear that many more bodies remained trapped inside the hull of the overturned launch.

The position of the sunken launch made the rescue and recovery operation difficult, said Fire Service source.

According to eyewitnesses and survivors, a sand-laden trawler Al-Amin rammed the MV Sourav-1 from behind tilting the stricken launch on its side before it went under water. At least 70 people jump off the sinking vessel and swam to safety.

The police seized the trawler.

The launch bound for Baligaon in Munshiganj left Sadarghat Launch Terminal at 3:00pm carrying about 200 passengers. The ill-fated launch capsized near the bridge after the collision shortly after 3:15pm, said one of the survivors of the disaster.

Thousands of people gathered on both the riverbanks, to witness the tragedy unfold before their eyes.

Home Affairs Adviser MA Matin, Home Secretary Abdul Karim and BIWTA Chairman Abdul Mannan Howlader visited the spot at 6:48pm.

BIWTA Chairman said the family of each victim would receive Tk 20,000 and Tk 2,000 more for the transportation of the dead bodies. The Adviser said a three-member investigation team would be formed to identify the cause of the accident and submit its report within 10 to 12 days.

He also said every victim will receive compensation as per BIWTA rules.

Meanwhile, President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in separate messages condoled the loss of lives in the launch disaster.

The President in his message expressed deep shock at the loss of life and properly in the launch capsized in the river Buriganga yesterday.

In the message, the President also extended sympathy to the members of the families, who lost their dearest and nearest ones and preyed for eternal of the departed souls of the deceased.

Prof Dr Iajuddin also asked the concerned authorities to take all possible steps to rescue the missing passengers of the launch al the earliest and extend medical assistance to the injured ones and all out cooperation to them.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the loss of lives in the launch capsize.

The Chief Adviser preyed for peace of the departed souls and conveyed sympathy to the members of the bereaved families.

He directed the authorities concerned to ensure treatment of the injured persons and conduct rescue operation quickly.