Ferry capsizes in Manikganj: Rescue operations resume for 3rd day
Rescue vessel Rustam will join the recovery efforts along rescue vessel Hamza
Rescue teams have resumed operations for the third day to recover the capsized ro-ro ferry Amanat Shah that sank into the River Padma near ghat no 5 at Paturia in Manikganj.
The rescue vessel Hamza resumed operation from 8:30am on Friday. Another rescue vessel, Rustam, will soon join the efforts.
The Fire Service, Coast Guard, and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTA) personnel are also engaged in the rescue efforts, SM Sanowar, commander of the rescue ship Hamza, said.
BIWTA Chairman Commodore Golam Sadeq visited the spot at 11am on Friday.
"Rescue operation will continue through Hamza and Rustam. Rustam is expected to reach the spot in the afternoon," the BIWTA chief said.
Rescue vessel Hamza took part in the recovery operation soon after the accident, another rescue vessel, Prottoy was supposed to join the efforts. However, due to strong current in the River Padma, rescue vessel, Prottoy will not be able to join the efforts, instead, rescue vessel Rustam will join the operation.
"The sunken ferry still has three good laden trucks and a few motorcycles in it. Once the rescue operation is over, a decision will be taken about the ferry," Commodore Golam Sadeq added.
He also said that the recovery of the ferry could be done with the help of private rescue ships.
Authorities of the rescue vessel Hamza have so far recovered 11 covered vans. The rescue operation is underway to rescue the remaining three vehicles and motorcycles.
The ro-ro ferry Amanat Shah capsized in the River Padma near the ghat no 5 at Paturia in Manikganj at around 9:30am on Wednesday.
The vessel was carrying 14 trucks and a few motorcycles at the time.