The salvage operation of the cargo vessel Karnafuli-5 capsized in Kirtankhola River on Sunday night with 860-ton raw materials for a cement factory at Barisal is yet to be started. The vessel sank after being hit by a launch Sundarban-7, which was carrying over 800-Dhaka bound passengers.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority has, however, formed a 2-member probe committee and recorded statements of the cargo crews. The master of the capsized cargo lodged a general diary in this connection with Barisal Kotwali Police Station on Monday.
Saidur Rahman Rintu, AL leader and Sadar upazila Chairman-elect is the owner of the passenger launch, alleged that the cargo vessel was over loaded and it was sailing violating restrictions on night movement and hit Sundarban-7 endangering lives of hundreds of passengers and damaging lakhs of taka.
Md. Salahuddin, owner of the cargo vessel MV Karnafuli-5 of Messer’s Brothers Navigation, said that the vessel loading 860 tons ‘slag’, raw materials for producing cement, within limitation of 900-ton carrying capacity, left Chittagong Port on Saturday night for Olympic Cement Factory at Barisal.
The vessel worth Tk.five crore with the loaded cargo worth Tk 30.1 lakh met the accident near Charmonai, 8 kilometers from Barisal port at about 9:20 pm on Saturday night, said owner of the cargo Md. Salahuddin.
A technical team and divers from the company will reach the spot on Tuesday to start salvage operation of the sunken vessel, the owner added.
Md. Shahidullah, Deputy Director, BIWTA said, a two-member probe committee with Saiful Islam, Magistrate of Marine Court as team leader and Safique Ayub, Inspector, Directorate of Shipping. They have been asked to submit their reports within next seven working days.
Abul Halim, Master, and Md. Shahnaz, driver of the capsized cargo vessel, giving statement before the BIWTA officials, also alleged that the cargo vessel was cruising at normal speed, following right side, illuminating right signal lamps and blowing cautionary whistles when they reached at a curve of the route.
But the passenger launch Sundarban-7 suddenly changed course and hit the middle of the cargo vessel, which capsized instantly, said the cargo master lodging a general diary with Barisal Kotwali Police Station.
Eleven crews of the cargo vessel were rescued by the fishing boats and other water transports, they added.
Barisal River Port officer and BIWTA deputy director said there was no restriction on night sailing by any vessel except the sand lifting and carrying vessels.
The launch hit the cargo vessel and then coasted to a shoal for safety, as bottom of the launch was severely damaged and cracked, said Gazi Riaz, one of the passengers of cabin-216 on board of the launch.
