Launch capsize in Shitalakkhya: 27 bodies recovered so far
Twenty-two more bodies were recovered after a Munshiganj-bound launch, which capsized in the Shitalakkhya river in Narayanganj with over 50 passengers yesterday, was pulled out from the water this morning.
The death toll from the accident stood at 27, reports our Narayanganj correspondent.
After a four-hour break, BIWTA resumed its rescue operation around 6:00am today.
Around 10:00am, the BIWTA rescue ship started its operation to salvage the sunken launch.
Bodies, including that of two children, were found inside the launch when it was pulled out of the water around 12:20pm, Abdullah Arefin, deputy assistant director of Fire Service and Civil Defence in Narayanganj, told The Daily Star.
Locals administration said they will hand over the bodies to their families after some formalities.
After the launch sank near the third Shitalakkhya Bridge at Koylaghat of Syedpur, BIWTA, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and Coast Guard conducted rescue operation till 2:00am and recovered five bodies.
BIWTA said they were trying to locate the cargo vessel responsible for the accident.
The Shipping Ministry today formed a seven-member committee to investigate the launch capsize.
Abdus Sattar Sheikh, joint secretary of the Shipping Ministry, has been made convener of the probe body, according to an office order of the ministry.
The committee has been asked to submit its report to the ministry within seven days.
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