Shitalakkhya launch capsize: Death toll rises to 7
ML Asraf Uddin salvaged from Shitalakkhya, rescue mission called off
The death toll from the launch capsize in the Shitalakkhya River in Narayanganj after being hit by a cargo vessel rose to seven with the recovery of another body on Monday morning.
Narayanganj Fire Service Deputy Assistant Director Abdullah Al Arefin said they recovered the body around 10:30am.
However, the identity of the deceased, aged around 30, could not be ascertained.
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At least five passengers of the launch are still missing, according to the list of the fire service.
Earlier, rescue vessel Pratyay of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) salvaged sunken launch MV Afsar Uddin from the River Shitalakkhya around 5:30am.
However, no bodies were found inside the launch, said fire service officials.
Meanwhile, the movement of launches on the Narayanganj-Munshiganj route has been suspended.
On Sunday, Munshiganj-bound launch ML Asraf Uddin, carrying around 50-60 passengers, capsized in the river as cargo vessel MV Rupshi-9 hit it around 2:30pm, as per the Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters.
At least six bodies, including of a three-year-old child, were recovered on the day.
One of the deceased was identified as Joynal, aged about 50, while the bodies of a 10-year-old girl, an 18-year-old girl, a 45-year-old woman and a 27-year-old woman remained unidentified.
Some 15-20 passengers managed to swim ashore.
