Launch crashes into four fishing boats while trying to anchor in Barishal; 2 fishermen missing

Two fishermen went missing as four boats sank after being hit by a launch at Char Shefali Launch ghat in Mehendiganj upazila of Barishal district early Monday.

The fishermen were identified as Bakiullah Shikdar, 40 and Baker Mridha, 35 of the upazila.

Faruk Hossain, in-charge of Ulania river police, said a launch named ‘MV Prince of Russel-5’ hit four fishing boats while trying to anchor at the ghat due to poor visibility caused by the dense fog early in this morning, UNB reports.

The fishermen jumped off the boats to save themselves during the accident.

All but two fishermen managed to swim ashore.

On information, divers from the local fire service rushed to the spot and are trying to rescue them.

Agitated local people beat up the staff of the launch and looted valuables.

Saidur, supervisor of the launch, said local people vandalised the windowpanes of the launch, looted 150 cartons of fruits, Tk 20,000 cash and two barrels of diesel.

SA