In a tragic incident early on Wednesday morning (25 March), a watermelon-laden trawler sank after colliding with a double-decker launch in Bauphal Upazila, Patuakhali, claiming the lives of two workers. The mishap occurred at Bamnikkathi on the Lohalia River, a major inland waterway connecting the southern districts to Dhaka.
The deceased have been identified as Rezaul Karim (28) from Char Latsahib in Rangabali Upazila, and Nasir Uddin Fakir (42) from Chbestin in the same upazila. Rezaul Karim was the son of Wazed Howlader, while Nasir Uddin was the son of Abdul Fakir.
According to local eyewitnesses, the trawler had set off from Rangabali carrying a load of watermelons destined for Dhaka. Upon reaching Bamnikkathi, the vessel collided with the MV Awlad-7, a Dhaka-bound double-decker launch travelling from Patuakhali. The impact caused the trawler to capsize immediately. While other passengers managed to reach the shore safely, Rezaul Karim and Nasir Uddin tragically drowned at the scene.
Locals reported that the river was shrouded in thick fog at the time of the accident, severely reducing visibility. They also mentioned that all passengers except the trawler’s operator were asleep during the collision, which may have contributed to the high casualty.
Al-Mamun, officer-in-charge of Kalaiya Port River Police, stated that a full investigation into the cause of the accident is underway and legal action will be taken against those found responsible.
For a clearer understanding, the incident details are summarised below:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 25 March, early morning |
| Location | Lohalia River, Bamnikkathi, Bauphal, Patuakhali |
| Vessel | Watermelon-laden trawler |
| Launch involved | MV Awlad-7, Dhaka-Patuakhali route |
| Deceased | Rezaul Karim (28), Nasir Uddin Fakir (42) |
| Cause (preliminary) | Collision amid thick fog |
| Other passengers | Survived, reached shore safely |
| Investigating authority | Kalaiya Port River Police, O.C. Al-Mamun |
This unfortunate accident underscores the risks faced by workers and passengers navigating Bangladesh’s river networks, particularly under poor visibility conditions. Safety experts emphasise the importance of proper signalling, vigilant navigation, and strict adherence to maritime regulations to prevent such tragedies. Locals have called for increased monitoring and enhanced safety measures along the Lohalia River, which frequently sees heavy cargo and passenger traffic.
The incident has left the families of the deceased in deep mourning and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of river transportation during early morning hours in foggy conditions.