Patuakhali launch capsize death toll climbs to 17

The death toll from Saturday’s launch capsize in Kolagachia River in Golachipa upazila rose to 17 with recovery of one more body on Monday.

The divers found another body at Dharandi Char around 10 am. The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately.

Earlier, the divers recovered seven bodies from the river on Saturday and nine others on Sunday.

Among the deceased, six were identified as Runia, 20, Rifat, 5, Nipu, 25, Monwara Begum, 50, Lutfa Begum, 21 and Monwara.

Meanwhile, rescue vessel ‘Rustom’ coming from Barisal salvaged the sunken launch around 9:30 pm on Sunday.

Acting upazila nirbahi officer Mohammad Sayemuzzaman, said all bodies have been recovered as per the list of the missing people of local administration.

Amitav Sarkar, deputy commissioner of the district, said the local administration has allocated Tk 20,000 for the family of each deceased person.

On Saturday, the launch MV-Shathil-1, heading towards Patuakhali from Rangabali in the morning sank in the river, one kilometre away from Kolagachia ghat (terminal), amid stormy weather with around 50 passengers on board.

Source: UNB Connect