Launch capsize: 12 bodies retrieved

Twelve bodies were retrieved from the Meghna River after a launch capsized in Gazaria upazila on Thursday amid bad weather. Three of the deceased were identified as Mamal Hossain, 50, of Naria upazila of Shariatpur district, Tumpa Begum, 30, and Setar Begum, 50. Deputy Commissioner of Munshiganj Saiful Hasan Badal said the Sureshwar-bound launch, ‘MV Miraj-4’, carrying over 200 passengers sank near Gazaria Launch Ghat in the Meghna River in the afternoon after it was caught by a violent storm. He said 12 bodies were recovered from the river till 8:30pm. Besides, some 45-50 people managed to swim ashore after the accident, he said quoting locals. The DC also said two salvage ships -- ‘Durbar’ and ‘Prataya’ -- reached the spot around 7:30pm and started the rescue operation, according to a news agency.