A coal-laden vessel capsized in Kirtonkhola river of Barisal as it collided head-on with a passenger launch this afternoon.

No casualties were reported immediately, our Barisal correspondent reports quoting witnesses and police.

The cargo vessel of ‘MV Masud-Mamun-1’ sank immediately after collusion with ‘MV Green Line’ launch at Beltola point around 4:00pm, said Sub-inspector Shafiq of Barisal Naval Police outpost.

The vessel was carrying around 525 metric tonnes of coal and was heading towards Noapara of Jessore via Kirtonkhola river.

Meanwhile, the launch also sank partially as a major crack appeared at its hull, our correspondent reports from spot around 5:30pm. 

All of the 600 passengers on board were rescued in the meantime and the salvage vessel ‘Sundarban-9’ left the scene towards Dhaka with the passengers.

However, the crew of the cargo managed to swim ashore.

Nirvik, a rescue vessel of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, began salvage operation this evening, said Azmal Huda, deputy director (river safety and traffic) of BIWTA, Barisal.

Probe body formed

Meanwhile, Barisal district administration formed a five-member probe body, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Zakir Hossain, to investigate into the incident.

The probe body has been asked to submit its report by next seven working days, the BIWTA official said.