Sinking of ML Mostofa-3

On 22 February 2015, a two-deck ferry traveling on the Padma River in the Manikganj District, Dhaka Division in Dhaka, Bangladesh, capsized. Up to 70 people, including 19 children, were killed in the crash when it hit a trawler.[1][2]

Sinking of ML Mostofa-3
Location of Manikganj District in Bangladesh
Date22 February 2015 (2015-02-22)
LocationDhaka, Manikganj District, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Deaths70
ArrestsCaptain and two crew members of the trawler

Capsizing

Approximately 150 people were on board ML Mostofa-3, which was traveling from Daulatdia to Paturia. The ferry was traveling on the Padma River when it crashed into a trawler, causing it to overturn. The ferry weighed about fifty tons and had a maximum capacity of only 100 to 120 passengers. Despite reports from passengers that there were as many as 250 to 300 passengers on board, the ferry staff denied those claims, stating there were only about 150 to 200 passengers on board.[3] The two vessels did not leave enough space to pass between one another, causing the two ships to crash.[4] As the ferry was capsizing, passengers located on the top deck jumped off the ferry and were able to swim safely to shore. After the capsizing, a salvage vessel with a crane raised the ferry from the water. This allowed the Bangladesh Fire department and Bangladesh Navy to search inside the ferry. Rescuers at the scene were able to save around fifty passengers.[5]

Aftermath

The captain and two crew members of the trawler were arrested. The local government gave 20,000 Bangladeshi taka as a burial fee for fifteen of the victims. The prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, ordered a full investigation on the capsizing be conducted. The investigation is being conducted by a five-member committee, led by shipping department's nautical surveyor Capt Shahjahan.[6] Offering his condolences, the shipping minister of Bangladesh, Shahjahan Khan, gave 105,000 takas to the victims of the capsizing.

References
  1. Ahmed, Farid. "68 dead in Bangladesh ferry accident". CNN. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  2. Alam, Julhas. "Death Toll Rises to at Least 70 in Bangladesh Ferry Disaster". ABC News. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  3. Quadir, Serajul. "Bangladesh ferry capsizes after collision, at least 39 dead". Reuters. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  4. Chowdhury, Syed. "At Least 43 Killed As Overcrowded Ferry Capsizes in Latest Bangladeshi River Disaster". Vice. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  5. "Bangladesh ferry capsizes, killing at least 69 people". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  6. "Bangladesh government starts inquiry into the Padma ferry capsize". bdnews24. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
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