The floating bodies of three more Pinak-6 launch capsize victims were found in the Meghna River in Barisal, Shariatpur and Laxmipur districts on Monday night and Tuesday, raising to death toll to 48.
Kutubur Rahman, assistant police super of sub-control room, said the body of an unidentified young man, aged around 25, and that of a woman, aged around 30, were recovered from Kawnia of Barisal and Sakhipur of Shariatpur respectively on Tuesday while another of woman, aged around 24, from Ramgati of Laxmipur on Monday night.
The bodies were being taken to Shibchar Panchchar Primary School in Madaripur, said Kutubur Rahman.
Earlier, 45 bodies were recovered after the launch capsized in the mighty river.
Of the bodies, 27 bodies were handed over to the victims’ family members for burial while 17 unidentified bodies were buried in Shibchar poura graveyard in Madaripur.
According to a list of the district administration, 62 passengers of the ill-fated launch are still missing.
The operation to salvage sunken launch ‘Pinak-6’ was abandoned due to rough weather on Monday.
The tragic incident took place when the overloaded launch with over 250 passengers on board from Kawrakandi capsized in the river, 800 yards off Mawaghat (jetty) around 11:15 am Monday due to strong currents while it was heading towards the jetty.
Source: UNB
