Patuakhali trawler capsize: two dead
Two workers lost their lives when a watermelon-laden trawler capsized after being hit by a passenger launch in Bauphal upazila of the district early Wednesday. The accident occurred around 4 am in Bamnikathi area of the Lohalia River. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of the deceased later in the day.
The deceased were identified as Rezaul Karim, 28, son of Wazed Hawlader, a resident of Charlatsaheb village and Nasir Fakir, 42, son of Abdul Fakir of Charbishton village under Rangabali upazila of the district. Eyewitnesses said the trawler, carrying watermelons from Rangabali to Dhaka, collided with the double-decker launch MV Awlad-7, which was traveling from Dhaka to Patuakhali. The trawler sank almost immediately. While Rezaul and Nasir could not escape and drowned, other passengers managed to swim to shore.
Fire Service, Naval Police, and local police quickly launched a rescue operation. According to Mojibur Rahman, team leader of the Patuakhali Fire Service, the diving team recovered the bodies around noon after several hours of effort. Inspector Al Mamun, in-charge of the Kalaiya Port Naval Police Outpost, said an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway, and legal action will be taken if necessary.
