Ferry with 500 passengers runs aground in Meghna

BHOLA, Aug 26 (UNB): A ferry carrying over 500 passengers and 12 buses and trucks went out of order after being stuck in a hidden shoal in the middle of the Meghna River Tuesday.

Sources at the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) said its ferry 'Kishani' ran aground in the char around 3:30 pm on its way to Miju Chowdhury Jetty in Laxmipur from Ilisha Jetty in Bhola.

As the radar of the vessel broke down due to the collision with the hidden char, the ferry could not move further.

Meanwhile, strong currents have washed way the ferry towards Kachia union in Bhola.

The ferry master also informed that the passengers had already left the ferry through trawlers.

BIWTC assistant manager Shihab Uddin said they have already sent another ferry 'Kanakchapa' to rescue the 'Kishani'.