Overloaded river vessels

Photo: AFP

The recent disastrous launch accident in the river Tentulia near Nazirpur launch terminal once again pinpointed the fact that we could do nothing to avert launch mishaps. Colliding and capsizing of launches have become almost a regular feature in our river ways. As reported in the press, overcrowding was the main cause behind the accident. The launch MV Coco-4 was packed with around 2000 passengers on board which was almost three times the capacity!
We have no word to console the relatives of those who had to embrace early death due to the launch accident. We pray to Almighty Allah for the salvation of the departed souls.
I strongly believe that if the existing river traffic laws are put into strict enforcement, there will be fewer mishaps. At the same time, the motivational campaign has to be intensified to dissuade passengers from overcrowding launches.