46 die in Kishoreganj trawler capsize
Saturday, 5 December 2009
KISHOREGANJ, Dec 4 (UNB): At least 46 people drowned and about 20 others remained missing as a mechanised trawler carrying nearly 150 passengers sank in the Daira River in remote Fulpur area of Mithamoin Upazila this (Friday) morning.
Local police administration confirmed the death toll in the tragic trawler accident. An official said at least 10 people were still missing.
Police and local sources said the Habiganj-bound trawler from Bhairab in the district sank in the tributary of the Meghna River at about 9:30am when a passenger launch rammed into it amid foggy weather.
Soon after the mishap, it was feared that of the 150 passengers on board the trawler, about 80 passengers went missing while the others managed to swim ashore.
The rescuers recovered a total of 46 bodies, including 17 of women and 22 children, from inside the trawler that reportedly went under 30-foot water, the police said.
Local people started rescue operation soon after the mishap. The divers reached the spot at about 4:00pm and were continuing the search for more victims.
Many people thronged the riverbanks for their near and dear ones who still remained missing.
Survivors said the death toll in the trawler mishap might rise, as dozens of passengers were believed trapped inside the capsized trawler.
The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately.
The trawler accident took place within a week after the launch, MV Coco-4, carrying Eid holidaymakers, capsized in the Tentulia River in Bhola district on November 27, killing 85 people and leaving many missing.
Local police administration confirmed the death toll in the tragic trawler accident. An official said at least 10 people were still missing.
Police and local sources said the Habiganj-bound trawler from Bhairab in the district sank in the tributary of the Meghna River at about 9:30am when a passenger launch rammed into it amid foggy weather.
Soon after the mishap, it was feared that of the 150 passengers on board the trawler, about 80 passengers went missing while the others managed to swim ashore.
The rescuers recovered a total of 46 bodies, including 17 of women and 22 children, from inside the trawler that reportedly went under 30-foot water, the police said.
Local people started rescue operation soon after the mishap. The divers reached the spot at about 4:00pm and were continuing the search for more victims.
Many people thronged the riverbanks for their near and dear ones who still remained missing.
Survivors said the death toll in the trawler mishap might rise, as dozens of passengers were believed trapped inside the capsized trawler.
The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately.
The trawler accident took place within a week after the launch, MV Coco-4, carrying Eid holidaymakers, capsized in the Tentulia River in Bhola district on November 27, killing 85 people and leaving many missing.