MUNSHIGANJ: Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Chairman Dr. M Samsuddoha Khondaker on Saturday afternoon called off the search operation of capsized launch MV Miraz-4.

While calling off, he also said that the launch lost control and capsized because its upper part was wider than the lower part. 

However, 25 more bodies were recovered till Saturday afternoon from inside the launch that capsized in the Meghna River in Gazaria upazila of the district, raising the death toll to 54.

Of the 54 bodies rescued, 53 bodies were handed over to the relatives after confirming their identities.

Earlier in the morning, BIWTA resumed search operation amid protest of relatives of victims. Earlier, BIWTA called off rescue operation in the morning.

The launch was rescued at 7:45am while more feared death as dozens still remained missing, said the authorities concerned.

Since the accident, Navy, fire service, and locals’ altogether began rescue operations with 40 more heavy and light motor boats.   

A lucky passenger, who escaped the accident, said that the launch sank during a 3-minute Nor’easter at Gazaria point of the river around 3:00pm.

Navy, fire service, and local people altogether conducted the rescue operation.

Shipping minister Shahajan Khan and BIWTA chairman 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 AFM Sirajul Islam on Thursday night to investigate into the launch sinking.

BDST: 1657 HRS, MAY 17, 2014