In a tragic turn of events, an overloaded ferry capsized in the early hours of Sunday morning (May 26th) on the Mongla River in Bangladesh's Bagerhat district. The ferry, carrying at least 80 passengers, sank before reaching its destination.
Eyewitnesses reported that the ferry was packed beyond capacity, with nearly four times the recommended number of passengers onboard. As a result, when the ferry reached a critical point in its journey, it succumbed to the rough waters and sank rapidly.
Rescue operations were immediately launched by the naval police, coast guard, and local authorities. Despite their swift response, many passengers remain missing, raising concerns of casualties.
Initial investigations revealed that each ferry typically carries between 70 to 80 passengers, but due to the lure of extra profit, ferry operators overloaded the vessel with additional passengers, risking the safety of those onboard.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, distraught family members gathered at the riverbank, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Meanwhile, local authorities have suspended ferry operations along the Mongla River.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage among the public, with questions raised about the lack of enforcement of safety regulations and the prioritization of profit over passenger safety by ferry operators.
Further updates on the rescue efforts and the investigation into the cause of the ferry's sinking are awaited as the authorities continue their search and recovery operations.
