Launch with 200 passengers capsizes in Rangamati

A launch carrying approximately 200 passengers partially capsized after striking a reef in the Maischari channel of Barkal Upazila, Rangamati, on Monday afternoon, March 10. 

The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m., according to Barkal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (Additional Duty) Rifat Asma.  

The UNO reported that members of the Barkal Battalion (BGB) deployed speedboats and fibre-glass boats for rescue operations. No casualties have been reported so far.  

Moinuddin Selim, president of the Rangamati Launch Owners’ Association, identified the vessel as MM Tania-2, which departed Rangamati at 2:00pm before capsizing near Barkal. 

“The launch was already in poor condition,” he said. “We’ve repeatedly warned the owner about its risks.”  

Rescue efforts continue as authorities assess the situation.