Gypsum-laden cargo capsizes in Rupsa

Staff Correspondent, Khulna: A cargo vessel with gypsum, raw materials of cement, capsized near Khanjahan Ali Bridge in Rupsa River on Thursday afternoon.

However, all people of the vessel known as MV Bibi-1134, were rescued.

Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Director of Khulna Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-6), confirmed the news.

He said, “Being informed, a team of RAB-6 rushed to the spot and rescued the people of the cargo vessel.”

A Coast Guard member took part in the rescue operation said there was about 1,035 tonnes of gypsum in the vessel.

The owner of the vessel could not be known immediately.

Abdullah, one of the witnesses, said the cargo vessel was anchored in the middle of the river adjacent to the Seven Rings Cement factory. But the bottom of it suddenly burst with big bang and the front part started to capsize. The entire cargo went under water around 3:20pm.

Being informed, RAB, Coast Guard and Navy rushed to the spot.

risingbd/Khulna/March 15, 2018/Nuruzzaman/A K Azad