MUNSHIGANJ: Bodies of 13 people were recovered and 35 others were rescued alive from the capsized MV Miraz-4 in the Meghna River in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj.
The death toll may rise as dozens remained missing, said the authorities concerned.
District Deputy Commissioner Saiful Hasan Badal confirmed the recovery of 13 bodies to banglanews.
Five of the deceased were identified as Jamal Sikdar, 55 and his son Abid Sikdar, 28, of Naria upazila of Shariatpur, Tupma Begum, 30, Setar Begum, 50, and Arif, 11.
Tumpa’s husband, who was in the launch, told journalists his 8-year old daughter Sumona and 6-year-old are still missing.
Rescue ship ‘Prottoy’ and the rescue team identified the location of the sunken launch under 50 feet of water after six hours it capsized.
Since the capsize, Navy, fire service, and locals altogether began rescue operations with 40 more heavy and light motor boats, but the sight of the sunken vessel was confirmed after the rescue ship arrives at the spot.
MV Miraz-4 left Sadarghat at capital Dhaka setting sailing to Sureshwar of Shariatpur carrying about 200 people, passengers said.
A lucky passenger, who escaped the accident, said that the launch sank during a 3-minute Nor’wester at Gazaria point of the river at 3:00pm.
Navy, fire service, and local people altogether are conducting rescue operation, which is being interrupted by heavy darkness as the night deepens.
BDST: 1140 HRS, MAY 15, 2014
