Bangladesh
Ferry Accident Ferry with 17 trucks overturns in Paturia
Dhaka, October 27: A row row ferry named Amanat Shah sank with 17 trucks at Ghaturia No. 5 in Paturia, Manikganj.
Md. Zillur Rahman, Deputy General Manager, Aricha Branch, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), said on Wednesday (October 27) at around 9:45 am, loaded vehicles from Daulatdia Ghat in Goalanda, Rajbari and anchored at Ferry Wharf No. 5 in Paturia. The ferry sank shortly after two or three vehicles landed. He said there were 17 trucks on the ferry.
Upon receiving the news, it was learned that the diving unit of the fire service was working. No casualties have been reported so far in the incident.
Shibalaya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Jasmine Sultana said the ferry anchored at Ferry Wharf No. 5 in Paturia with vehicles from the wharf. After that 2-3 vehicles got off the ferry and the ferry tilted. She said the ferry had 17 trucks, motorcycles and a few small vehicles.
The ferry capsized within 2 minutes of arrival. Amal Bhattacharya, a motorcyclist from Manirampur in Jessore, was on the ferry. He said the ferry left Daulatdia for Paturia at 9:15 am. The ferry reached Paturia Ghat at 9:45 am. Afterwards a lot of water entered the ferry. Then slowly the ferry tilted and overturned.
He added, "Only one or two vehicles were able to land then. When the ferry was sinking, I left my motorcycle and start swimming. Unable to get up later, I grabbed a chain from the wharf. At one point the locals picked me up. The ferry had 15 to 16 vehicles, including trucks, covered vans and motorcycles."
