CHITTAGONG: A clinker loaded lighter vessel, MV Rami-Sami 1, has been reported sinking near Sandwip in the port city on Monday though the 16 crews escaped.

Bajlu, master of the vessel, told banglanews that the Narayanganj-bound ship, which stuck at a Char near to Char Nurul Islam-1 of Sandwip, early Sunday, is now sinking after it split into two parts.

On information, another lighter ship rescued the crews of the ship.

However, the lighter vessel has already sunk in the Bay of Bengal, he added.

The ship was going to Narayanganj from Chittagong Port.

Bangladesh Water Transport Cell Executive Director Mahbub Rashid said another vessel is trying to salvage the rest clinkers from the sinking ship.

BDST: 1751 HRS, AUG 25, 2014