Capsize in Shitalakkhya: Coast Guard seizes cargo vessel that hit launch

Bangladesh Coast Guard today seized the bulk carrier that hit a passenger launch in the Shitalakkhya river, killing 34 people.

"The carrier was seized from Gozaria area of Munshiganj around 1pm," said Mustain Billah, deputy commissioner of Narayanganj.

Some staffers of the carrier were also detained, he added.

Coast Guard will reveal details regarding the matter in a briefing this evening, the DC said, adding that the carrier and the staff members will be handed over to Bandar Police.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Director (maritime security) Rafiqul Islam said, "Coast Guard informed us about the seizure of the cargo vessel. In total 14 people including the cargo crew have been detained."

After the accident, they repainted the vessel and coastguards seized it based on information, the official said.

The coastguards are interrogating the detainees and details will be known later, he added.