Coal-laden cargo capsize: Rescue uncertain

Bagerhat Correspondent: The rescue of the coal-laden cargo capsized at Harbaria point in the Pashur River in Mongla upazila near the Sundarbans has become uncertain as no activities were seen by the owner in recovering it in four days of the incident.

According to forest officials of Sundarbans East Zone, though the owner of the vessel frequently promised to start rescue operation, but they did not launch it in last four days of the incident which made the forest department aggrieved.

The Sundarbans East Forest Zone has already sent a letter to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) seeking a copy of the registration document of the vessel as the owner did not submit it yet.

Meanwhile, Mongla Port Police Sation started investigation over the three general diaries (GDs) filed by the vessel owner and the Sundarbans East Forest Zone.

Mahmudul Hasan, divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Zone, said, “According to a probe report submitted by Chandpai Range assistant conservator of forest (ACF) Kamrul Hassan, the vessel carrying 775 tonnes of coal capsized in the Pashur River in Mongla upazila near the Sundarbans on Saturday due to inefficiency of its helmsman.”

Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mongla Port Police Station, said, “We started investigation into the three general diaries (GDs) filed by the Forest Department, Importer and the owner of cargo vessel.”

risingbd/Bagerhat/April 19, 2018/Ali Akbar Tutul/A K Azad