The salvage operations following Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority’s (BIWTA) RoRo ferry, the Shah Amanat, capsizing at Paturia Ghat in Manikganj has been suspended for the night.
Joint Secretary of the Shipping Ministry Md Delwar Hossain confirmed the information to reporters around 8.30 pm on Wednesday, reports UNB.
He further said the rescue and salvage operation will resume from Thursday morning.
According to the latest information, a motorcycle, four trucks and five covered vans were recovered from the capsized ferry. Five more cargo trucks remain submerged in the water.
The BIWTA salvage vessel Hamza, is expected to be joined by another member of its salvage fleet, the Prattoy, which is expected to reach the spot by Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Shipping Ministry and Manikganj Deputy Commissioner have formed two separate committees to investigate the incident.
Additional Secretary of the Shipping Ministry Sultan Abdul Hamid has been made the head of the seven-member committee formed by the Shipping Ministry, while Additional District Magistrate Chanowarul Haque has been made the head of the four-member committee appointed by the district administration. Both committees were asked to submit their reports within seven working days.
On Wednesday morning, the MV Shah Amanat capsized near Paturia's fifth ferry terminal while preparing to dock. It was carrying 14 goods-laden trucks and four motorcycles at the time.