MUNSHIGANJ: Seven more bodies were recovered and over 50 others rescued alive till 12:30pm Friday from inside the launch MV Miraz-4 that capsized in the Meghna River in Gazaria upazila of the district, bringing the death toll to 29.

More feared death as dozens still remained missing, said the authorities concerned.

District Deputy Commissioner Saiful Hasan Badal confirmed the recovery of bodies to banglanews.

Munshiganj Sadar Thana officer-In-Charge told banglanews, “26 of the deceased among 28 were identified and 20 of them were handed over to their family members and relatives.”

Tumpa’s husband, who was in the launch, told journalists his 8-year-old daughter Sumona and 6-year-old son Mahim are still missing.

Rescue ship ‘Prottoy’ and the rescue team traced 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.   

A lucky passenger, who escaped the accident, said that the launch sank during a 3-minute Nor’easter 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.

Shipping minister Shahajan Khan and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority chairman Dr. Md. Samsuddoha Khondaker supervised the rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the Department of Shipping formed a three-member probe committee headed by Ministry of Shipping’s Mercantile and Marine department engineer and ship surveyor A.F.M. Sirajul Islam on Thursday night to investigate into the launch sinking

BDST: 1531 HRS, MAY 16, 2014