24 die as trawler sinks in Karatoa river

• Dead includes 8 children, 12 women
• Trawler sank around afternoon
• It carried religious devotees en route to temple
• Rescue operations underway
• Around 30 feared missing

At least 24 people, including eight children, died after a trawler carrying Hindu pilgrims capsized in the Karatoa River in Panchagarh on Sunday, leaving many others missing. 

The incident took place near the Auliaghat area in Marea union of Boda upazila, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Soleman Ali told The Business Standard, adding 20-30 passengers were still missing.

Sixteen died on the spot, while eight others succumbed to death on their way to hospital.

Among the dead, there were 12 women, eight children and four men. The identities of the deceased have not been confirmed yet.

According to locals, at least 30 people are missing. No one was able to say how many people had been rescued.

Officials of the upazila administration, police and fire service say the number of dead may increase, although there still was not accurate information on how many had managed to swim ashore.

Eyewitnesses said a religious procession was being organised on the occasion of Mahalaya in Barashashi Union of Panchagarh's Boda Upazila.

People from different unions of Boda and Debiganj upazilas had hired the trawler to go to the Bodeswari temple.

District Commissioner Md Jahurul Islam said the vessel may have been overcapacity, which caused it to begin sinking in the middle of the river.

As news of the accident spread, many locals rushed to the spot and managed to rescue a few of the victims.

Later district, upazila and police administration and fire service officials were informed, who arrived and began a rescue operation.

Sixteen bodies were found till seven in the evening. Those were sent to nearby hospitals and health complexes.

Boda Upazila Health Officer Rajiul Karim said eight people rescued in the boat accident died while undergoing treatment at hospitals.

Panchagarh District Superintendent of Police SM Sirajul Huda told reporters that it is estimated that eight to ten people are still missing, with the rescue operation ongoing.

The Panchagarh DC announced Tk20,000 in cash for each affected family on behalf of the district administration, alongside Tk10,000 for those injured.

A five-member investigation committee has also been formed over the incident and their inquiry report is due within seven days.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep grief and sorrow over this incident in a message issued Sunday evening, expressing her deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.

In Bangladesh, the highest of 32 people were killed in a similar water vessel accident in June 2020 when ML Morning Bird trawler sank in the Buriganga River after being hit by a large launch.

In August of the same year, 17 people died after a boat sank in Madan upazila of Netrokona.