7 bodies recovered as launch capsizes in Patuakhali

PATUAKHALI, May 3 (UNB): Seven bodies, including four of women and two of children, were recovered from the Kolagachia river in Golachipa upazila after a launch capsized in it amid stormy weather on Saturday afternoon.

The deceased could not be identified immediately.

Sub-inspector Fakhruddin of Golachipa thana said the seven bodies were recovered in the afternoon.

Witnesses said the launch, 'MV-Shathil-1', carrying over 50 passengers, sank in the river, one kilometre away from Kolagachia ghat (terminal), around 3 pm while heading towards Patuakhali from Rangabali.

Thirty passengers managed to swim ashore while the rest went missing, said assistant director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) of Patuakhali SM Badrul Alam.

bdnews24.com adds: Rescue operations are on after the vessel sank in the river dead.

Deputy Commissioner of the district Amitabh Sarker said seven dead bodies had been recovered from the river until 6:30pm and 12 people including a child had been rescued.

The deputy commissioner said a rescue vessel MV Hamza had started from Barisal towards the scene of the accident around 5pm and it might reach the place by 8pm.

Eyewitnesses said around 15 people swam ashore after the vessel sank.

Sub-Inspector Abdul Halim of Kalagachhia thana outpost said Fire Service, district administration officials and locals were taking part in the rescue operation.