Anchored trawler sinks in Karnaphuli
An anchored fishing trawler capsized at Karnaphuli river early yesterday.
FV Crystal-8, was anchored near Shikalbaha, upstream from Karnaphuli Third Bridge, said Mijanur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sadarghat River Police Station.
There was no casualty during the incident, as there was no one on the trawler when it sunk, the OC said, quoting witnesses.
He could not confirm the exact time of sinking and the reason behind it.
The ocean-going fishing trawler is owned by Hamida Doza Limited -- a subsidiary of Crystal Group, the family business organisation of former president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) Murshed Murad Ibrahim.
Ibrahim, who is accused in two cases filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in connection with Tk 275-crore loan scam at state-run BASIC Bank, is now residing in Canada.
Quoting locals, OC Mijanur said the trawler was anchored at the spot three days ago, while some crewmembers were seen working in the last few days.
The crewmembers left the trawler sometime before midnight, and the trawler sank later, he said.
There was no report of collision at the area, and the weather was calm that night, he said.
Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, superintendent of police (SP) of River Police, Chattogram region, who visited the area in the afternoon, said they would investigate into the incident.
Bangladesh Coast Guard East Zone Staff Officer (Operation) Habibur Rahman said on information, a Coast Guard team went to the spot at 6am, but the trawler completely capsized before the team reached there.
The spot is in the territory of Chattogram Port.
Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Faruk said they would demarcate the area with floating buoys.
They already informed Mercantile Marine Department to inquire into the matter.
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