Cargo vessel salvage work resumes near Sundarbans


FE Team | Published: May 20, 2018 20:11:54 | Updated: May 21, 2018 09:38:38


Cargo vessel salvage work resumes near Sundarbans

Rescue team have started work to salvage capsized coal-laden cargo vessel in Pashur River of Sundarbans under Mongla upazila in Bagerhat.

They resumed operation on Sunday after a suspension of nine days, reports UNB.

On April 14, the MV-Bilash carrying 775 tonnes of coal capsized in the Pashur River in the Sundarbans.

The incident occurred as the ship ran aground in a hidden shoal as it followed a wrong route.

The rescue work that began on April 20 was suspended on May 10 after 400 tonnes of coal were removed from the sunken vessel in 21 days.

Sohrab Hossain, chief of divers from the salvage team, said the entire vessel remained under water with a crack in the bottom.

Two cranes will be used to lift it ashore in two parts, he said, adding that it might take eight more days.

Sohrab also said there is no coal in the capsized vessel as around 300 tonnes were washed away by tidal surge.

A case was filed accusing nine persons over the capsize of the coal-laden cargo vessel after the incident.

Shahin Kabir, Chandpai Range forest officer of the Sundarbans, said as of April 26, the case cited damages to the biodiversity worth Tk 12.40 lakh, which may increase.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Division Mahmudul Hasan said although the vessel's capacity was 172 tonnes, it was carrying over 775 tonnes coal when the accident took place.

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