NN Desk :A launch was capsized in the Tamnabad river in Golachipa upazila of Patuakhali on Saturday afternoon leaving at least eight people, including five women and a child dead. The launch, which was carrying over 70 passengers, sank after being hit by a sudden Nor’wester.At least 20 passengers were reportedly missing till filing of the report at about 10:00 pm. However, 25-30 passengers managed to swim ashore while 20 others rescued with injuries. The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.The rescue operation of the capsized launch started after the arrival of the salvage vessel ‘MV Hamza’ from Barisal. But the locals took part in the rescue operation immediately after the incident. Locals accused the administration of delaying to start rescue operation while DC of Patuakhali Amitav Sarker said that they took necessary initiative immediately after getting the news of the incident. He along with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Golachipa also visited the spot. Assistant Director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in Patuakhali said that the launch — MV Shathil — sank in the river at around 3:00 pm near Kalagasia area while it was going to Patuakhali from Golachipa upazila. But it capsized and sank slowly after being hit by the sudden nor’wester, he added.
