FROM MAWA REST HOUSE: All search operations to trace the drowned passenger ferry Pinak-6 had been declared postponed.

Munsiganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Saiful Hasan Badal told media at a press briefing at 12:00pm on Sunday.

He said that the search ships of Kandari-2 and Jarip-10 will continue their activities to examine the images of heavy metal found on the bed of river Padma.

The combined search team with the personnel of Navy, Coast Guard, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and Fire Service had been withdrawn from the spot, the DC added.

According to him, decisions were also taken to continue the recovery of bodies floating in the rivers as well as to examine the metallic image found on the river bed.

He informed media that the decisions were taken after the consultation with shipping minister Shahjahan Khan and other authorities concerned.

The DC further said that though the search drives were postponed, the divers of Navy, BIWTA and Fire Service will stay at the spot.

Besides, rescue ships Rustam and Nirvik will also stay there.

He added that a combined team searched for the drowned launch Pinak-6 in the area of 50km for seven days but failed.

Navy captain Nazrul Islam and Kandari-2 commander Manju, along with other members of the search team, were present at the briefing.

** Pinak-6 search operation resumes

BDST: 1442 HRS, AUG 10, 2014