\\\'Pinak-6\\\' untraced on Day Five

The launch which went down with 350 passengers on board in Padma River in Munshiganj on August 4, has not been traced even on the 5th day. The failure comes despite the use of the most ‘powerful’ technology and the coordinated efforts of all government wings. Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan on Friday said no launch had ever capsized in that part of the river and cargo boats that had sunk before had not been traced either. But despite such past records, the ‘world’s best technology’ was being used to look for ‘Pinak-6’. Agencies such as Bangladesh Navy, BIWTA and Fire Service and Civil Defence and other reputed organisations engaged in the salvage operation say they are not giving up. But the sunken launch is yet to be located the ‘eco sounder’ and ‘sub-bottom profiler’ having been used 50 km around the accident site. As time ticks away, chances of strong currents pushing the launch further downstream, or upstream silt covering it becomes increasingly real, making it more difficult to locate the vessel, according to a news agency.