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Bangladeshi Vessel Sinks in Muriganga River After Hitting Sandbar
A Bangladeshi vessel carrying fly ash from Budge Budge began sinking in the Muriganga River after hitting a sandbar, according to an Indian official on Monday. The incident occurred while the ship was en route to Bangladesh, in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, reports Telegraph India.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) confirmed that all crew members were safe and have been taken to the Sagar police station. Efforts are underway to evacuate the fly ash cargo so the vessel can be towed back to Bangladesh.
The accident occurred on the night of February 13, while the vessel was returning to Bangladesh. GJ Reddy, IWAI's regional head, stated, “The evacuation process is currently underway."
A video from a local panchayat member, shared by a Ghoramara Island resident, showed the sinking vessel allegedly dumping fly ash into the river, raising concerns among local fishermen about potential contamination. The fishermen, who rely on the river for their livelihood, expressed their worries over the environmental impact.
A Kolkata Port official assured that no port-bound ships operate in that channel, so port operations remain unaffected. Sandbars frequently pose navigational challenges, particularly at night, contributing to such accidents.