120 still missing after Munshiganj launch capsize

At least 120 people remained missing till Tuesday, a day after a launch with 300 on board sank in Padma River near Mawa Launch Ghat at Lauhajang Upazila in Munshiganj district. Deputy Commissioner Md Saiful Hasan said 100 passengers were rescued alive while over 120 others remained missing since the launch capsized. Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, while visiting the spot today, said a ship,’Jarip-11’, set out from Chittagong for the spot to join rescue and salvage operation. Two other rescue vessels – ‘Rustam’ and ‘Nirbhik’ – are conducting the rescue operation but their work is being hampered due to strong currents in mighty Padma. The accident took place when the overloaded launch, ‘Pinak-6’, from Kewrakandi capsized in Padma 800 yards off Mawa Ghat (jetty) around 11:15am on Monday due to strong current while it was heading towards the jetty. The bodies of two women were recovered from Padma near the place of the launch accident on Monday while two other corpses – one male and a female – were recovered from Meghna River in Haimchar Upazila in Chandpur today. Local administration officials said one of the deceased could be a victim of 'Pinak-6' launch disaster in Padma. according to a news agency.