Kuakata antique boat to be excavated

The antique boat that recently surfaced from beneath the Kuakata beach in Patuakhali will be excavated and restored during winter when the sea water recedes, archaeologists and experts in Dhaka said yesterday.
Meanwhile, a police camp has been set up on the site of the wreck to prevent theft and looting, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Patuakhali Amol Krishna Mondol told The Daily Star.
The ancient boat, which is believed to be belonging to the first Rakhine settlers from Arakan province in Myanmar over 200 years ago, was found on June 29 during low tide.
The Department of Archaeology officials in Dhaka confirmed that they have urged the concerned ministry for forming a technical committee to oversee the excavation and restoration of the boat.
“Our team that visited the site recently has assessed a cost of Tk 2 to 3 lakh to excavate the boat and we have accordingly informed the ministry,” said an official of the department requesting not to be named.