Sunken launch lifted from Shitalakkhya, 6 bodies found so far

Sunken launch ‘MV Afsar Uddin’ which was rammed by a freight vessel on Shitalakkhya River have salvaged by the rescuers early today.

So far 6 bodies were recovered and several went missing after the launch capsized in the Shitalakshya River on Sunday.

Of the deceased, three were identified as Joynal, 55, Arifa Begum, 35, and one-year-old child Safayet while the identity of others is yet to be ascertained.

The launch named ‘MV Afsar Uddin’ which was heading towards Munshiganj with 50 passengers, capsized in the river as it collided with a goods-laden cargo ship ‘MV Rupsi-9’ around 2:00 pm near Al-Amin Nagar area under Sadar upazila of the district.

After the collision, half of the passengers of the launch managed to swim ashore.

Meanwhile, separate committees have been formed by the shipping ministry, the Shipping Department and the deputy commissioner of Narayanganj to investigate the incident.

ARR