MV Shah Amanat: Salvage operation suspended again

The operation to salvage sunken ferry Shah Amanat was suspended once again on the fifth day of the work on Sunday.

Dhaka, Oct 31: The operation to salvage sunken ferry Shah Amanat was suspended once again on the fifth day of the work on Sunday.  

So far, eight covered vans, six trucks and five motorcycles were pulled out of water since the ferry careened and sank on Wednesday at Paturia terminal.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) joint director and in-charge of the rescue operation Fazlur Rahman said further action will be taken as per the decision of the inter-ministerial meeting in Dhaka.

He added that the ministry will decide when the salvage operation will begin again.

However, the salvage vessels ‘Hamza’ and ‘Rustam’ have been kept on standby at the spot. Fire service divers, naval teams and Coast Guard rescue workers are also awaiting further instructions.

Meanwhile, the salvaged vehicles have been handed over to the owners. However, the owners complained that the goods in the truck were not recovered. The owners also demanded compensation.

Earlier 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.

On the following day, the shipping ministry and Manikganj deputy commissioner formed two separate committees to investigate the incident, reports UNB.