British-era shipwreck found in Ctg Port, artefacts recovered
Exact date of the ship's sinking remains uncertain
A 150-year-old ship has been recovered by a local company, Hiraman Salvage Limited, from the Chittagong Port channel in the Karnaphuli River today (17 August).
The ship was salvaged near Dangarchar Ghat at Chittagong Port following an extensive eight-month recovery operation.
Zahid Hussain, managing director of Hiraman Salvage, said the vessel could date back to the British era, citing the discovery of period-specific coins and artefacts. The ship's coal-powered engine, used around 150 years ago, further supports the estimate.
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Among the recovered items were approximately 150 coins and a variety of copper, brass, and silver artefacts, including plates, pots, glasses, water jugs, spoons, decorative items, and ivory binoculars. These findings suggest the ship was a British trading vessel that sank in the Karnaphuli River.
Md Zahir, a senior diver on the salvage team, explained that the vessel was found 60 feet underwater, buried in sand and soil that had hardened into tar. The team used dredging and wire soloing techniques to separate the ship into two parts for recovery.
The Chittagong Port Authority granted Hiraman Salvage permission to recover the unknown wreck, while another company, AL Madad, was authorised to salvage a different wreck.
The recovery of this vessel is expected to enhance safety in the port channel by reducing silt accumulation and submerged obstacles, according to the authorities.
Khairul Alam Sujon, director of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, said the removal of the wreck will not only ensure safer navigation but also lower dredging costs. Although the exact date of the ship's sinking remains uncertain, the use of coal-powered engines confirms the wreck occurred many years ago.
