Trawler sinks after ferry collision in Khulna Bhairab River leaving one person missing
Photo Collected
A trawler carrying 30 to 40 passengers capsized in the Bhairab River near the Jailkhana Ghat area in Khulna on Tuesday night following a collision with a ferry. While most passengers were rescued, one man identified as 27-year-old Rakib Khan remains missing.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. between Jailkhana Ghat and Senerbazar Ghat. Witnesses reported that the trawler was traveling toward Senerbazar when it collided with a ferry heading toward Khulna city. Following the impact, the ferry operator halted the vessel, and the damaged trawler subsequently sank.
Local residents, nearby vessel operators, the Coast Guard, Naval Police, and members of the Fire Service launched an immediate rescue operation. Many passengers managed to swim to shore or were pulled from the water by bystanders and neighboring boats. Despite these efforts, authorities confirmed that Rakib Khan, a makeup artist and resident of the Senerbazar area, had not been located as of Wednesday morning.
Rakib’s mother, Roksena Begum, stated that her son had traveled to the city earlier in the evening and was last seen by friends near the Commerce College intersection before he attempted to return home. His friends and family have since searched major local hospitals to no avail.
Masud Sardar, Deputy Director of the Khulna Fire Service and Civil Defense, noted that the recovery operation was hampered overnight by strong currents in the river. Abul Khayer, the officer in charge of the Rupsa Naval Police outpost, confirmed that search operations are ongoing with the support of the Coast Guard and Fire Service.
Local commuters have raised concerns regarding the lack of safety protocols at the ferry terminals, alleging that boats frequently operate while overloaded, leading to preventable accidents. Officials continue to monitor the river as the search for the missing passenger persists.
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