Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued 12 crew members after a lighter vessel sank in the Karnaphuli Channel following a collision with another cargo vessel Tuesday morning.
Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan, Media Officer of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, confirmed that all crew members were rescued alive and provided with necessary medical assistance, said a press release.
According to the Coast Guard, the accident occurred at approximately 3am near Ghat No. 18 of the Karnaphuli River under Patenga Police Station. The lighter vessel MV Bay Harbor-2 collided head-on with MV Samuda-6, which was on its way to Dhaka.
The impact severely damaged MV Bay Harbor-2, causing its hull to rupture and water to rapidly enter the vessel. The ship began listing before drifting a short distance and eventually sinking almost completely between Outer Anchorage Buoys No. 2 and No. 3.
Immediately after receiving the distress report, the Coast Guard's Patenga Outpost, operating under the East Zone, launched a search and rescue mission. Rescue teams successfully pulled eight crew members from the sinking vessel.
The remaining four crew members were swept away by strong currents toward Parkir Char but managed to reach the shore safely on their own.
Following the rescue, all crew members received first aid and necessary medical support before being handed over to the vessel's authorities.