Probe committee finds helmsman's inefficiency

BAGERHAT, Apr 19 (UNB): The vessel carrying 775 tonnes of coal capsized in the Pashur River in Mongla Upazila near the Sundarbans on Saturday due to inefficiency of its helmsman, according to a probe report.

The probe committee, headed by assistant conservator of forest Shaheen Kabir, submitted its report to Mahmudul Hasan, divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Zone, on Wednesday.

In the report, the committee also said the documents of the vessel were not updated.

The committee did not get any legal document of the vessel despite repeated request to the owners, Shaheen Kabir said adding, "We're doubtful whether the helmsman had any driving licence."

Mahmudul Hasan, DFO of the Sundarbans East Zone, said a letter was sent to the Inland Water Transport Authorities seeking a copy of the registration document of the vessel.

The higher authorities were also informed about the findings of the probe body.

As of Thursday morning, no initiative was taken to salvage the coal-laden vessel. At the accident point of the river, the water flows 12 feet above the sunken cargo during the high-tide.

The authorities concerned have marked the point by hanging a red flag there to avoid further accidents.