Munshiganj trawler capsize: Rescue operation continues

The picnic boat which capsized after colliding with a bulkhead on Saturday night was found by the Fire Service and Civil Defence. However, six people remain missing.

At least eight people died and several others were injured when the vessel carrying 46 people capsized in a canal adjacent to the Ichamati River.

FSCD members resumed rescue operations on Sunday morning. They were able to locate the trawler, but not the missing people. FSCD Louhajang unit official Md Abdul Matin said inclement weather and strong current is disrupting the rescue operation.

The incident took place around 8:30pm when a sand-laden bulkhead hit the trawler near Rashkathi village under Louhajang upazila of the district.

Munshiganj Superintendent of Police Mohammad Aslam Khan said the trawler was on its way back to Sirajdikhan upazila after a daylong picnic in the Padma Bridge area. It capsized after a collision with the bulkhead. Several women and children were onboard, he said.

Local people started rescue operations soon after the incident. Members of the FSCD and River Police joined later. 32 people were rescued alive and the bodies of eight deceased were recovered.

/KN/