Panchagarh boat capsize: Death toll now 69

The death toll from the boat capsize in Karatoa river in Panchagarh rose to 69 after one more body was recovered today (September 28, 2022).

The deceased was identified as Himalay Chandra Roy (26), our Thakurgaon correspondent reports quoting Dipankar Roy, additional deputy commissioner of Panchagarh.

Three people-- Bhupen Chandra Bharman (40), Surendranath Barman (65) and Joya Rani (4)— are still missing in the incident, he added.

On September 25, the engine-run trawler packed with over hundred passengers capsized at Awalia Ghat in Madea union of Boda upazila.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Boda Police Station Sujoy Kumar Roy earlier said the boat was on its way to Badeshwari temple in Barashashi union when the accident occurred.

Witnesses and survivors said there were more than 100 passengers on the boat that had a capacity of around 50.

Md Jahurul Islam, deputy commissioner of Panchagarh said at least 70-80 people were rescued alive in the incident.

Two teams of divers from Rajshahi and Rangpur are on the spot to carry out the rescue operation. They are continuing the rescue operation in an area expanding up to five kilometers from the spot.