Vessel loaded with cement clinkers capsizes in Rupsha

KHULNA, Jan 31 (UNB): A lighter vessel carrying 1,175 tonnes of cement clinkers capsized in the Rupsha River in Khulna on Thursday night.

The vessel, 'MV Seven Circle-23,' sank after it collided with the pillar of the Rupsha River rail bridge, Lt Commander Md Siam-ul-Haq, media officer of the Coast Guard Headquarters, said on Friday.

He said the ship was damaged about 2 feet below the water level, causing water to begin entering the vessel. On information, the Coast Guard promptly dispatched a rescue team from BCG Station Rupsha with a diving boat to aid in the operation.

Upon arrival, the team observed that more than half of the anchored lighter ship had sunk.

All 13 crew members aboard the ship are safe, with no injuries reported, he added.