Tragedy on the Shitalakshya: Launch Sinks After Collision, Survivors Recount Horror

A routine journey turned into a scene of tragedy and desperation on the Shitalakshya River when the double-decker launch MV Rabit Al Hasan sank after being struck by another vessel. The launch, packed with passengers traveling from Narayanganj to Munshiganj, capsized near a bridge under construction, leaving families desperately searching for their loved ones and survivors recounting their harrowing escapes.

This article will detail the events of the tragic sinking, sharing powerful firsthand accounts from those who survived the disaster. We will explore the circumstances leading to the collision, the immediate aftermath, and the heartbreaking search for the many passengers who remain missing in the wake of this devastating incident.

The Collision and Sinking

On Sunday evening, the MV Rabit Al Hasan departed the Narayanganj dock on its regular 45-minute route to Munshiganj. As it neared the third Shitalakshya Bridge, which is currently under construction, the launch was suddenly struck from behind by a larger cargo vessel, known as a bulkhead. The impact caused the small launch to tilt violently and sink within moments, throwing its many passengers into the river.

A Doctor’s Escape: The Account of Shayer Ahmed

Among the survivors was Shayer Ahmed, a 25-year-old trainee doctor. He was making his daily commute home to Munshiganj after his internship duty in the capital. Dr. Ahmed noted that the launch was unusually crowded, estimating over a hundred passengers were on board, many heading home ahead of a lockdown. His quick thinking was crucial to his survival.

Overcrowding: He noted the launch, which typically holds 50-60 passengers, was carrying more than a hundred people.
Immediate Action: When the launch was hit and began to tilt, he quickly removed his pants, shirt, and shoes and jumped into the river.
Survival: He managed to stay afloat and swam to a pillar of the nearby bridge under construction, holding on until he was rescued.

Trapped Below Deck: Maruf’s Harrowing Story

Another survivor, 18-year-old Maruf, was on the lower deck of the two-story launch when the collision occurred. He was heading to Munshiganj to catch a larger launch to his village. His experience highlights the chaos and terror below deck.

The Impact: He was on the ground floor when the bulkhead hit, causing the launch to tilt dangerously.
Narrow Escape: Maruf managed to escape through a window as the vessel began to capsize.
A Desperate Struggle: He described how other drowning passengers grabbed at his legs in the water. He somehow freed himself, swam to a bridge pillar, and was later rescued, expressing deep regret at witnessing so many people drown before his eyes.

The Anxious Wait: Families Search for the Missing

As news of the sinking spread, a crowd of anxious relatives gathered at the Munshiganj launch dock, desperate for information. Among them was Bipasha Sarkar, searching for her husband, Loknath Das. He had called her earlier to say he was returning by launch, but his phone had been off since the accident.

Bipasha’s tearful wait represents the anguish felt by many families whose loved ones were unaccounted for. Narayanganj Fire Service officials began the grim task of recovery, confirming the bodies of five female passengers had been found by late evening.

The sinking of the MV Rabit Al Hasan is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that can exist on busy waterways. The accounts of survivors paint a terrifying picture of a sudden disaster compounded by overcrowding. As rescue and recovery operations continue, the focus remains on finding the missing and supporting the families who have been shattered by this terrible event.